Cibulkova calls it quits

Former world No 4 and Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova announced her retirement on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Slovakian claimed eight WTA singles titles and entered the top four in 2017. Her biggest title came in 2016 when she defeated then world No 1 Angelique Kerber to win the WTA Finals.

Cibulkova, who has not played since this year's French Open, became the first Slovakian woman to reach a Grand Slam singles final in 2014 when she lost to China's Li Na at the Australian Open.

She said she had made up her mind about retirement at Roland Garros, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka in the first round.

"It was strange because I knew, and no one around me except my team knew it would be my last tournament," she said. "At that point, I was 100 percent sure. I wasn't doubting or thinking 'maybe yes or no.'

"I knew I wanted to do it like this, for this to be my last tournament. I went home and was happy with my decision. It's hard to make it, but once you do, you feel more free."

Reuters