Latvia's Anastasija Sevastova, a former world No. 11 and 2018 US Open semifinalist, has announced her retirement from professional tennis at age 36. The veteran player shared the news on social media after a career marked by comebacks, major upsets, and four WTA titles. Sevastova reflected on a 'rollercoaster ride' filled with gratitude for her achievements and relationships.
Sevastova, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 11, posted an emotional message on social media. “It is never easy to say goodbye to something you truly love, but after a few months of careful thought, I have made my decision,” she wrote. “I am retiring from professional tennis. Looking back on all these years (decades, in fact) I feel nothing but gratitude. I have been honoured to share the court with the most incredible fellow players, coaches, physios, sponsors, officials, and of course, my amazing FANS.” She expressed pride in her accomplishments and lifelong friendships, thanking her family deeply. This is Sevastova's second retirement; she first stepped away in May 2013 due to injuries and illnesses, later studying in Austria before returning unranked in 2015. Her comeback peaked with back-to-back US Open quarterfinals in 2016 and 2017, a semifinal run in 2018 by defeating defending champion Sloane Stephens, and a WTA 1000 final in Beijing that year. She claimed four WTA titles on clay and grass: Estoril 2010, Mallorca 2017, Bucharest 2018, and Jurmala 2019—the last in her home country of Latvia, where she helped pioneer the sport alongside Jelena Ostapenko and others. Sevastova took maternity leave in 2022, giving birth to daughter Alexandra, returned in November 2023, then suffered an ACL tear after four tournaments, sidelining her for 13 months until April 2025. Her final match was a 6-2, 6-0 first-round qualifying loss to Whitney Osuigwe at the Australian Open, with her ranking reaching No. 183 by February 2026. Known for flair and finesse, including elite drop shots, she notched 11 Top 10 wins, including over Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, Garbiñe Muguruza, and Jessica Pegula.
