Ross Hutchins announces retirement from tennis
Last updated on .From the section Tennis
British doubles specialist Ross Hutchins has announced his retirement from tennis.
It comes just a week after the 29-year-old lost in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles at the US Open.
Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2012 and missed the entire 2013 season, but returned to action after the cancer went into remission.
"I feel it is the right time for me to stop playing professional sport and pursue new goals," Hutchins said.
| Ross Hutchins factfile |
|---|
| Born: 22 February, 1985 |
| Turned pro: 2002 |
| Highest ATP doubles ranking: 26 |
| ATP titles: 5 (3 with Colin Fleming, 2 with Stephen Huss) |
| Grand Slam best performance: 2014 US Open semi-final (mixed) |
In a statement on the Lawn Tennis Association website, Hutchins added: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement.
"I feel strong and healthy and I look forward to moving on to the next chapter of my life."
Hutchins won five ATP doubles titles, three in partnership with fellow Briton Colin Fleming. He and Fleming also reached two Grand Slam quarter-finals in 2011.
The Londoner also won a Commonwealth Games silver medal in 2010 and was a key member of Great Britain's Davis Cup team.
| BBC Sport tennis correspondent Russell Fuller |
|---|
| "At the start of this year, Hutchins spoke of an ambition to become world number one and a Grand Slam champion - and he came close in what turned out to be his final event, as he and Chan Yung-Jan narrowly lost their US Open mixed doubles semi-final. After the triumph of his speedy return from illness, 2014 has been a struggle and his talents are very much in demand elsewhere. As a hugely popular member of the tour, he slipped seamlessly into his role as the tournament director at Queen's, and there are bound to be many exciting offers ahead." |
Team captain Leon Smith said: "Ross has been a stalwart of our sport for over a decade.
"We were very lucky to have him play a huge part in our Davis Cup team over the last six years, and his contribution to help us fight our way back to the World Group was invaluable."
Earlier this year Hutchins was appointed tournament director of the Aegon Championships, the annual grass court tournament at the Queen's Club in London.
He added: "I am excited about the challenges that lie ahead and I shall now take my time to decide on exactly what they will be."
