American legend Venus Williams has led the tributes after former World No.31 Zarina Diyas announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis. Diyas hadn’t played since the Australian Open in January, which marked her first grand slam appearance in four years.
The 32-year-old from Kazakhstan was emotional after qualifying for the Australian Open, before she went on to lose in the first round of the main draw. Over the weekend she announced her retirement and was farewelled at a local tournament in Kazakhstan.
Zarina Diyas has retired from professional tennis after a 19-year career. Image: Getty
“Today I am closing one of the most important chapters of my life I am ending my professional tennis career,” she wrote on social media. “It has been an incredible journey… the path of a girl from Almaty, who since childhood dreamed of playing in world arenas, winning tournaments and becoming one of the best in the world.
“And I still can’t believe that this dream has become my reality of winning tournaments, a place in the top 30 in the world ranking and the honour to represent Kazakhstan at the Olympics. I am proud to have played for the national team…represented Kazakhstan on the world stage.
“This will always be in my heart. Tennis gave me a lot, it taught me to be strong, not to give up, to keep going no matter what. There were difficult periods, but there were also victories, emotions and moments that cannot be described in words… and it is impossible to forget.”
Zarina Diyas at the Australian Open in January.
(Getty Images)
Zarina Diyas won the Japan Open in 2017 for her lone WTA title.
(AFP via Getty Images)
She added: “Thanks to everyone who has been there for me. To my fans, you gave me incredible energy, you were my strength.
“To my family… To my mom for bringing me into this sport and for her faith and love that pushed me forward every day. To my sister Alice for supporting and helping me throughout my career. Thank you to my team, coaches, friends, sponsors and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation for your support and contribution to my journey.
“Leaving feeling proud, grateful and dignified and with a huge love of tennis… that will forever be a part of me. A new chapter of my life begins. Love you all.”
Tennis world pays tribute to Zarina Diyas
Diyas won one title on the WTA tour, and 12 on the lower-level ITF circuit. She reached a career-high ranking of World No.31 in 2015, and finishes with 359 wins and 257 losses across a 19-year professional career.
She represented Kazakhstan at the Olympic Games and Fed Cup, and reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2014 and 2015 – her best grand slam singles result. Venus, who played Diyas twice for a 1-1 record, wrote online: “You’re an inspiration! Will miss seeing you on the court!”
Daria Saville, Priscilla Hon, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elina Vesnina were among other tennis players and fans to send their congratulations.