WIMBLEDON, England — Swedish star Jonas Bjorkman will retire in October, ending a career in which he reached a No. 4 ranking and won nine Grand Slam doubles titles, including three straight at Wimbledon.
Bjorkman announced his decision just hours before play began Monday at Wimbledon, where he won doubles titles from 2002-04 and reached the singles semifinals — at age 34 — in 2006.
After trips to the Beijing Olympics and the U.S. Open in August, the Swede plans to bid farewell to tennis on home soil at the Stockholm Open.
“Wimbledon has a special place in my heart and I knew it was the right time to do it here,” Bjorkman said. “I feel I’m at the stage where maybe I don’t have a desire.”
Bjorkman begins his 15th Wimbledon campaign today in a singles match against Frenchman Arnaud Clement. He likes his chances better in doubles.
In the first round, he and Kevin Ullyett face Australians Paul Hanley and Todd Perry.
“Doubles is a potential,” he said. “And I’ll do everything I can to hopefully get another trophy.”
After that, Bjorkman said he wants to spend more time with his children — Max, 5, and 5-month-old Bianca.
“It’s time to be a full-time dad and spend time with the family,” he said.
“Half of my life has been a professional player, so it’s a good stage in my career to call it quits.”
Ailing Monfils withdraws.
French Open semifinalist Gael Monfils withdrew because of inflammation in his right shoulder.
The 22-year-old Frenchman was replaced in the singles draw by Serbia’s Ilia Bozoljac, who defeated Australian Chris Guccione 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
Monfils said he risked long-term injury if he played because the inflammation has been bothering him for a long time.
“I think now with more experience I’m sad, but still, I know it’s the right decision,” Monfils said.
The Associated Press
