Novak Djokovic has said that he is ‘surprised’ by the retirement of Agnieszka Radwanska at the age of 29.
During his win over Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals, Radwanska released a statement confirming that she has decided to quit the sport. There has been speculation concerning her future within recent weeks due to ongoing injury problems. In a Facebook post, she said that she can no longer ‘train and play’ as she used to and her body can ‘no longer live up to her expectations.’
“I didn’t see that coming,” Djokovic replied when told the news during his press conference. “She decided she doesn’t want to compete at tennis, I wish her really all the best in any future endeavors that she has in her life.”
At her peak, Radwanska was ranked second in the WTA rankings. During her career, she won 20 titles on the tour and featured in the main draw of 49 grand slams. In 2012 she was runner-up to Serena Williams at the Wimbledon Championships. Radwanska is the first Polish player to have earned more than $1 million in prize money and the first to finish in the year-end top 10 on the women’s tour.
“I remember her, and I think many of us in tennis do, as one of the smartest women’s tennis players that I have seen.” Djokovic reflected. “Great variety. Doesn’t have any big weapons in the game, strong shots maybe like Serena with serve and forehand. She just anticipated so well the play of her opponents. She absorbed the speed of the ball so well. She had slice and dropshots in her game, which you don’t see that very often.”
“That’s why she was so successful.”
Radwanska’s biggest title of her career occurred in 2015 when she won the WTA Finals. Defeating Garbine Muguruza and Petra Kvitova on route to claiming the trophy.
Meanwhile in London, Djokovic is currently sitting at the top of the Guga Kuerten Group at the ATP Finals. Yet to drop a set in the tournament, he could qualify for the semifinals later today depending on the outcome of the other group match. Otherwise, it will come down to the next clash with Marin Cilic on Friday.
