End of an era for Erakovic

Tuesday 11 December

New Zealand number one tennis player Marina Erakovic has confirmed her retirement from the WTA Tour and professional tennis.

After more than 13 years on tour, and 15 years of being New Zealand’s top tennis player Marina is hanging up her racquets.

“Today is both a momentous and emotional occasion for me. I have decided to retire from professional tennis. What a journey it has been!”

Marina Erakovic has competed at twelve ASB Classic events and is clearly a fan favourite. ASB Classic Tournament Director, Karl Budges can’t say enough about Marina and her the significant contribution to tennis in New Zealand and on tour.

"Marina has been an incredible player and ambassador for New Zealand tennis. She has been our best performing player for the last two decades and has won tournaments of the level of the ASB Classic. She has played on some of the biggest stages in sport and beaten some huge names. It is easy to forget that when Venus Williams first played the ASB Classic, Marina Erakovic was ranked higher than her."

Marina’s contributions have not just been on the court. Such was the esteem she was held in by her fellow players, Marina was elected to represent their interests on the WTA Player Council since 2015.

"Women’s tennis remains the biggest professional female sport on the planet and Marina has been at the top since she was 18. To have achieved that from New Zealand is staggering and I want to congratulate Marina on an amazing career, her service to New Zealand tennis and contributions to the ASB Classic" continued Budge.

Marina sat inside the top 100 for close to a decade, reaching her career high ranking of 39 in 2012. She won nine WTA titles and 18 ITF titles, represented New Zealand eight times for Fed Cup and competed at both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics Games.

“Marina’s positive impact on the WTA during her career was felt not just on the court, with an incredible nine titles, but also off the court,” said Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman.

“As an elected member of the WTA Players’ Council for four years, she dedicated her efforts to serving the WTA athlete body from 2015 to 2018 and will leave professional tennis as a much-respected ambassador for the sport.”

The ASB Classic would like to thank Marina for her service to tennis and wish her all the best for her future endeavours.

Nga mihi nunui ki a koe Marina Erakovic. You will be missed at the ASB Classic.

Ends.

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