The curtain came down on the most remarkable dynasty in tennis on Wednesday when Magdalena Maleeva was defeated at the Zurich Open.
For the first time in 23 years, the Maleeva name will be absent from the WTA circuit after Magdalena joined her elder sisters Manuela and Katerina in retirement.
The Maleeva name has been a feature on the women's tour since Manuela, the eldest sister, turned professional in 1982.
Katerina followed two years later while Magdalena - eight years younger than Manuela - joined the family trade immediately after her 14th birthday in 1989.
Coached by their mother Julia Berberian-Maleeva, the Bulgarian-born trio made tennis history at the French Open in 1990, the first time that three sisters had appeared in the main draw of a grand slam.
More landmarks followed in 1993 when all three were seeded at the Australian Open and at Roland Garros, and they became the first three sisters to reach the fourth round of the same grand slam tournament.
All were ranked in the top 10 during their careers, although not simultaneously. In June and July, 1993 they were ranked 11, 12 and 13.
"I think it was extremely special, although unfortunately we didn't realise it at the time," said Magdalena who was beaten 6-3 6-2 by Patty Schnyder in Zurich, her final tournament.
"But I think this was really amazing. It was history and it was a great effort. What our mum has done is quite amazing."
