“Want to Say Goodbye to Tennis on a Court”: Carla Suarez Navarro Highlights Retirement Plans

Spanish professional tennis player, Carla Suarez Navarro is a former ‘top 10’ player in the world. The Spaniard also plays doubles events quite regularly. In singles, she’s attained a career-high ranking of 6 in the world whereas in doubles, she’s got as high as number 11. On the WTA Tour, Carla has won two titles in singles and three titles playing doubles. 

The 32-year-old player has been playing tennis for more than a decade now. Beginning her career back in 2008, Navarro made it to the quarterfinals of the French Open in her very first grand slam. Although she played the initial qualifying rounds, Carla defeated former world no. 1, Amelie Mauresmo.  

Carla Suarez Navarro: “It would be a dream play in Tokyo”

The Spaniard hasn’t played any competitive tennis this year, citing health issues. However, she would certainly like to take part in the Tokyo Olympics once things get finalized. Recently, she said, “I have set it as a goal to stay alert, to be positive, to have something there. I want to say goodbye to tennis on a court. It’s a dream, right? But the reality is that I go day by day, week by week.”

Navarro had also revealed that she has been diagnosed with cancer. The tennis player has also stated that she faces six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma back in September. 

At the moment, Navarro is busy rehabilitating and allowing the recovery process to take its course. She does remain optimistic about wanting to play at the Tokyo Olympics’ 2021. She also stated, “I’m trying to recover, and then it will be seen. I have a protected ranking and I will not be able to play before, so those who will qualify or not will be my teammates, depending on the results they make. It is something that is there, a way that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

(Quotes have been translated)

Also Read: Tennis Players Who Retired in 2020

The Spaniard in her career has managed to reach the quarterfinal of every grand slam except Wimbledon. As far as her playing style goes, she unlike many uses the single-handed backhand.