David Goffin is calling time on his career (Image: Getty)
David Goffin is set to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season, the Belgian has announced. The 35-year-old, who reached a career high of world number seven in 2017, won six titles during his ATP Tour career.
What’s more, Goffin also reached nine other ATP finals, and tasted victory against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer throughout his time as a professional. Now ranked 156th in the world, Goffin is deciding to hang up his racket, having announced his retirement via a social media post.
Goffin never progressed past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam though, despite making the last eight at the French Open, Australian Open and Wimbledon. He did however play a key role in guiding Belgium to the Davis Cup final in 2015, but lost the deciding match against Britain’s Andy Murray. Two years later they were back in the final again, but this time lost to France.
In a social media video, Goffin said: “I gave everything for tennis, and this sport gave me far more than I ever dared imagine: the matches, the wins and losses, the emotions, the people who accompanied me throughout this journey… That’s what makes this decision to end my professional career so hard.
“It’s a decision that’s been on my mind for a few weeks, a few months. It’s the right time for several reasons. Physically, there have been quite a few injuries, and it’s hard to come back with my knee. It affects my morale too, along with my ranking starting to drop.
“Little by little, it was becoming really difficult to maintain the level and do the work needed if I wanted to climb back up the rankings one more time. The decision came gradually, tournament after tournament.
“After discussions with my wife and close ones, the decision was clear. I’m happy, sad, and relieved at the same time. Sometimes you think it’s just a bad patch and things will pick up again.”
David Goffin enjoyed a stellar career (Image: Getty)
He continued: “But there’s a certain mental and physical fatigue, so you start asking the question. So maybe it’s the right time, I feel it that way. I felt ready to test myself again, even though deep down I knew there was something…
“Even when you’re motivated 110%, it’s tough in this environment. The level is very high, physically it’s grueling. I knew something was already missing, and I realized it a few weeks ago. There was a desire to come back but it wasn’t strong enough anymore. You ask yourself a lot of questions.
“I’ll try to play the big tournaments, Monte Carlo, Madrid, Rome, obviously Roland Garros, a tournament I want to play. Wimbledon, I hope to play on grass again, even if it’s the qualies.
“Then, the Brussels tournament at year’s end. The Grand Slams are the priority, for sure. Returning to the world’s biggest tournaments, the ones I’ve dreamed of since I was little. Doing it with a different mindset, without pressure.”
Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy