Zarina Diyas, a former world No. 31 from Kazakhstan, has retired from professional tennis after 17 years. The 32-year-old shared the news in an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on her journey from Almaty to the world stage. Tributes poured in from peers including Venus Williams.
Zarina Diyas announced her retirement on Instagram, closing a chapter that began when she turned professional in 2007. 'Today I am closing one of the most important chapters of my life. I am ending my professional tennis career,' she wrote. 'It has been an incredible journey… the path of a girl from Almaty, who since childhood dreamed of playing in world arenas.' Diyas highlighted her pride in representing Kazakhstan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she holds an 18-8 win-loss record, and reaching the top 30 in WTA rankings and winning tournaments worldwide became reality for her. Her breakthrough came in 2014 with a rise into the top 40, followed by her first WTA singles title at the 2017 Japan Women’s Open as a qualifier, defeating Miyu Kato in the final. She also secured 12 ITF titles overall, the latest in 2025, though her 2026 Australian Open ended in a first-round loss to Paula Badosa, 2-6, 4-6. Injuries derailed her path, including a knee issue in 2018 that dropped her from No. 66 outside the top 100, leading to an indefinite hiatus in June 2022 when she ranked No. 1042. She returned in 2024, playing Wimbledon and the China Open, and climbed back into the top 500. Venus Williams led the tributes, writing, 'You’re an inspiration! Will miss seeing you on the court!' Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova reacted with 'Goosebumps,' while Daria Saville said, 'Congratulations! Thankful that our paths crossed! good luck in everything that’s coming!' Others including Anastasia Pivovarova and Arina Rodionova shared heartfelt messages recalling shared memories.