Fernando Gonzalez to retire from professional tennis after the Masters in Miami

Fernando Gonzalez to retire from professional tennis after the Masters in Miami

Fernando Gonzalez announced just a few moments ago that he will retire from professional tennis after playing the Masters in Miami in March.

The Chilean, who won 2 Olympic medals, won´t wait until the London 2012 Olympics to retire as his body is not 100%.

"I've decided to end my career as a professional player in Miami," said Gonzalez.

He will also play in tournaments in Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

The last two seasons he has been hampered by a string of injuries including to his hip and knee.

“I made the decision a couple of weeks ago to end my career at Miami,” the 31-year-old Chilean shared in a press conference Thursday. “It's 100 per cent personal. I realised I don't have the energy to be where I want to be.”

“I always said I would play until 30 and in the last months I didn't stop thinking about it and the final decision was made three weeks ago,” he elaborated. “It was difficult to play in Vina, but the decision was already taken.

“If I retired at Vina it would have been too emotional. Miami means a lot for me and there are a lot of Chilean people over there. I also want to say goodbye to my friends on the tour.”

“I want to have a new start,” he said. “I'll still be working for tennis, it’s my passion. I’ll take some time to think what I will do.”