Shelby Rogers announces retirement from tennis after U.S. Open

Posted by author August 23, 2024 Tennis

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – After more than a decade as a professional tennis player, Shelby Rogers has decided it’s time to hang up her racket.

The Lowcountry native posted on social media that she plans to retire after playing in the U.S. Open next week.

“I can confidently say that I have pushed my body to its limit. These last couple of years fighting with injuries and surgeries have been challenging. I always said that if my heart loves it and my body is healthy I would play this sport forever! But now my body is telling me it’s time.”

The soon to be 32-year old is scheduled to face fellow American Jessica Pegula in the 1st round of the U.S. Open either Monday or Tuesday. Rogers is currently ranked 356th in the world as she recovered from her latest injury.

The Mt. Pleasant native turned pro in 2010 and would reach 3 WTA finals in her career. Rogers reached a career high ranking of 30th in the world back in 2022 and won more than $5.6 million dollars in prize money. Her total record according to WTA is 307-261.

It was announced earlier this month that Rogers would be inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame later this year.

Rogers played in her home town tournament, now called the Credit One Charleston Open, 13 times in her career going 10-13 overall and reaching the quarterfinals in 2017. In a statement to Live 5 News, tournament officials said “Shelby Rogers will always be a cherished member of our Charleston tennis family. Her journey from a ball crew member on Daniel Island to a professional tennis player competing in the same stadium is truly remarkable. Her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport have driven her to great heights and successes. While we will miss watching her on the court, she will always have a home at our tournament. Whatever she chooses to do next, we are confident she will approach it with the same wholehearted commitment that defines her every move. That’s just who Shelby is.”

She had some memorable moments in majors as well. Most notably, she made a run to the quarterfinals at the U.S. Open in 2020 that included a win over the 6th seed Petra Kvitova. She also reached the quarterfinals at the French Open in 2016 and had a 4th round run at the Australian Open and two 3rd round appearances at Wimbledon.

“My heart will always love this sport, and I hope I can pass along some inspiration to the next generation of players to dream big and keep growing the beautiful game of tennis. I am very much looking forward to this next chapter of my life…but I can’t wait to see y’all in NY for one more US Open!”