Steve Johnson recently announced his retirement from the racket sport after entertaining fans throughout his 12-year-long journey on the court. The 34-year-old American tennis star was in tears after playing the last singles match of his career in the BNP Paribas Open qualifying rounds at Indian Wells. Not every story, however, has a happy ending. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth telling.

Johnson lost his final match to compatriot Emilio Nava by 6-7(6),7-6(10),6-4. Australian former tennis player, John Millman feels “confused” as he thinks Johnson deserved a wild card in his final tournament. The American will now play doubles with Tommy Paul at his home ATP Masters 1000 event, before completely taking retirement from professional tennis. What did Millman say though?

“Great career mate” – Australian former pro tennis player expected a wild card, congratulates Steve Johnson on his retirement

It was quite a heartwarming scene at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden when an emotional Steve Johnson walked off the court with his wife Kendall Bateman and daughters Emma and Molly. Should he have got a wildcard at the Indian Wells this year? John Millman thinks so. “Did I miss the reason why California local, Steve Johnson didn’t get a main draw WC in his final tournament? Confused. Great career mate,” said Millman on X.

Notably, the 2016 Rio Olympics was very special to Johnson’s career. He won a bronze medal in the doubles event with Jack Sock and gave a tough fight to the eventual gold medalist, Andy Murray in the QF of the singles. But last season, he struggled with a knee injury which kept him out for a long time. Johnson said he hadn’t picked up a racket for three months and admitted he was not “itching to get back.” He felt that was a “pretty big sign.”

Trending

Coco Gauff Drops Adorable Wish to Celebrate Boyfriend’s Birthday Amid Hectic Madrid Open Stint

April 27, 2024 03:00 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Coco Gauff vs Madison Keys; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

April 29, 2024 07:03 AM EDT

‘Why Are You So Stressed Out?’- Roger Federer’s Wife Mirka Turned Huge Inspiration for Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’, Confesses Script-Writer

April 28, 2024 03:49 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Jakub Mensik vs Felix Auger-Aliassime; Preview, Head-to-Head, and Prediction

April 29, 2024 08:50 AM EDT

Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Loses Cool at Chair Umpire Fergus Murphy in Heated Scenes After Getting Robbed Off a Challenge

April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

He thanked his team, family, and fans after the match, stating, “There was no other place that I really wanted my last tournament to be. It was here, and I’m very fortunate that I was able to make that a reality.”

Indian Wells 2024: American Olympic Medalist Bids Farewell to Tennis With a Gut-Wrecnhing Defeat

Among a flurry of wishes for the soon-to-be-retired athlete, Andy Murray also took to Twitter to wish Johnson. He wrote, “All the best with whatever is next Stevie. Excellent career. A great guy to have around on the tour for a long time and a top competitor! Shocking mustache.” Former American tennis player, John Isner said sharing the Tour with Johnson was “an absolute pleasure and honor.”

Sam Querrey also joined in and stated, “Incredible athlete, big forehand huge kick serve, and an all-around good guy. He was liked by all his peers. Everyone’s going to miss him.” Former world number 4, James Blake reflected his admiration by calling Steve Johnson the “Epitome of a winner.” Several renowned journalists also stepped in to wish the American tennis star, with Ben Rothenberg calling Johnson the “GOAT of collegiate tennis.”

The former world number 21, feels he has “left no stones unturned” while playing this beautiful game. Johnson doesn’t want to look back and have any regrets, and so he states, “Knowing that my wife and girls may not ever remember me playing tennis, but they will [see those things], that means the most to me.” Be that as it may, share your most memorable moment from Steve Johnson’s incredible career in the comments below. 

Watch This Story: Bonafide Fitness Buff Serena Williams Reveals Major Nostalgia That Keeps Her Pumped Up In The Gym