Former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo has confirmed her retirement from professional tennis.
The 30-year-old Frenchwoman, who also won the Australian Open and was ranked number one in the world in 2004, announced her decision at a news conference this morning.
Mauresmo, Wimbledon winner in 2006, said: 'I came here to announce the end of my career. I made this decision after careful consideration.'
Explaining her decision, Mauresmo said: 'I don't want to train anymore. I had to make a decision, which became evident in the last few months and weeks. When you grow older, it's more difficult to stay at the top.
'It's a bit sad but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court.
'I dreamt of this career, I dreamt of winning a grand slam title. I lifted trophies in every city in the world and I lived 10 magical and unbelievable years.'
And the 30-year-old feels it is unlikely she will change her mind and follow Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin in returning to the WTA Tour.
'Even if I've learned to never say never, the players you are thinking about stopped earlier than me before coming back,' she added.
WTA Tour chairman Stacey Allaster paid tribute to Mauresmo, saying: 'Amelie will go down in history as one of the best players of her generation and a terrific ambassador for women's tennis.
'Amelie's accomplishments not only include winning two grand slam titles and becoming the first French player to reach the world number one ranking, but leading France to a Fed Cup victory, and generously donating her time to various social causes.
'Amelie is an extraordinary player, one of the nicest and friendliest personalities on Tour, and a true champion both in tennis and in life.'
