Kimiko Date retired at 46 years of age

By
Mark Hall
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Kimiko Date has been on the tennis scene forever. Finally, the Japanese called it a career at 46 years of age after she tried to stage another comeback after she had to undergo 2 knee operations after playing the 2016 Australian Open.

The retirement, unfortunately, came after Kimiko lost 6-0 6-0 Aleksandra Krunic at the Japan Women’s Open on Tuesday, but definitely, that will not be a black cloud over Kimiko’s career.

The Japanese has won 8 career titles in singles, and she amazed for coming back to the competitions after a 12th years’ hiatus in 2008.

The speech

There was a lot of emotions during the ceremony. Kimiko addressed the fans with these words

“It’s finally over. A lot of things were going through my head this morning, but during the match, I was just trying everything I could to win a game. I just didn’t have it physically. It feels strange to be retired, but I have to accept it. In the end, I was relieved I hadn’t made my shoulder worse.”

Talking about being a tennis coach, Kimiko commented

“But I don’t feel like I did when I first retired and didn’t want to go near a tennis court again. I’ll stick to just watching.” 

Good luck for the rest of the journey. You have been an incredible example of resilience and passion for the sport!