Former World No. 4 Grosjean Announces Retirement

© Getty ImagesSebastien Grosjean won four singles titles during his career.

Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean, a former World No. 4 and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 champion, announced his retirement Thursday at Roland Garros.

The Frenchman, who had been limited to just eight tour-level events since undergoing shoulder surgery in December 2008, said in a press conference: “My body is in such a condition that I think I cannot continue.”

Grosjean had intended to make his farewell appearance at his home-country Grand Slam this week before doubles partner Richard Gasquet withdrew with a back injury.

“I've been thinking about this for a while now,” said the Marseille native, who will turn 32 years of age Saturday. “For several weeks I've been putting a lot of thought into this. I'm a bit sad, of course. I love playing tennis so much. When we start our career we know it's going to end one day. There are many interesting things for me next, I think. It's not the end of my life. On the contrary. I'm disappointed, that's true, but lots of interesting things.”

Grosjean compiled a 341-247 singles record since making his ATP World Tour debut in 1997 in Marseille. He won four singles titles from 13 finals and also claimed five doubles titles, clinching his last singles and doubles crowns in 2007 at the Grand Prix de Tennis de Lyon.

He enjoyed his best season in 2001, when he finished as the World No. 6 after winning the BNP Paribas Masters (d. Kafelnikov) in the final tournament of the regular season to qualify for the year-end championship. He then became the first Frenchman to reach the title match at the circuit finale as he posted wins over Andre Agassi, Patrick Rafter and Yevgeny Kafelnikov before losing to Lleyton Hewitt.

Looking back on his career, Grosjean said, “I wish I could have won one of the Grand Slams. Unfortunately, I didn't manage. I put a lot of effort into this each time, yet there are better players, people who play better than I do. So no, no regrets. Had people told me I would be in the Top 5 at the beginning of my career I wouldn't have believed it.”

Grosjean, who currently resides in Boca Raton, Florida, made his last ATP World Tour main draw appearance in February at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships (l. to Brands).

He said of his future plans: “Now I don't really know. I'll see. The media, I can be a commentator. And then there's my Foundation, which is very important. It's time consuming… And I'll continue with perhaps exhibitions. That's for the senior tour. That's a sport I love. I'll still be close to tennis.”