Shahar Peer, the Israeli tennis star, has announced her retirement from the sport, calling it “one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life.”
A former US and Australian Open quarter finalist, at the pinnacle of her career Ms Peer was ranked at number 11 in the world, the highest-ever position achieved by an Israeli.
In a Facebook post, the 29-year-old announced her decision to retire “following a chronic inflammation in my shoulder that has lasted for over two years, and which prevents me from competing at the high level that I am used to and expect from myself.
“At the same time, I lost my desire for the game of tennis and the intense way of life I have lived since I was six and a half years old.”
Ms Peer, who won five international competitions during her career, added that she “look[ed] back on this experience with a huge smile, a lot of happiness and satisfaction.
“I am proud of all of my accomplishments as well as the huge honour I was given to represent the state of Israel.”
