There have been some big name retirements from tennis on both the ATP and WTA Tours over the past few years.
None bigger than that of Rafael Nadal, who retired at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, and actually lost his final ever singles match against Botic Van de Zandschulp.
Nadal was not the only major champion to say goodbye to the sport, with Andy Murray waving farewell at the Paris Olympics.
Angelique Kerber and Dominic Thiem also retired last year, and now a WTA player has hinted that her career could be over.
Photo by Josef Bollwein/SEPA.Media /Getty ImagesSara Sorribes Tormo announces that she is taking a break from tennis
Sara Sorribes Tormo has been ranked as high as world number 32 in her career, but mixed results over the past year have seen her drop outside of the top 80.
After winning both her singles and doubles matches at the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers for Spain, Sorribes Tormo has released a lengthy social media statement.
WHAT. AN. EFFORT. 🔥
Sara Sorribes Tormo secures victory over Laura Pigossi 6-3, 7-5 in an incredible battle between the two players 🤝
Sorribes Tormo held her nerve in an 86 minute second set to grab the first point for Spain over Brazil!#BJKCup pic.twitter.com/nNuuLpVXRg
— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) April 11, 2025
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In this Instagram post, Sorribes Tormo announced that she would be taking a break from tennis after losing her joy for the sport.
Sorribes Tormo also admitted that she did not know if it would be temporary or permanent at this moment in time.
“Hello everyone,” began Sorribes Tormo. “I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided to take some time. Some time for myself, for my mind and for my body. I’ve been suffering for many months on a tennis court.
“The cheerful and happy Sara that you see off the court is far from the reality of everything I carry inside.
“I’ve lost the excitement to train, to improve, and even to go to tournaments. The moments of suffering far outweigh those of calm, and this is coming from someone who has always loved to work, improve, and compete.
“That’s why, in addition to needing help, I feel that I need to stop and rest. I don’t know if it will be permanent or temporary. I want to be coherent and consistent with what my body feels. See you,
Sara.”
Sorribes Tormo is a two-time WTA title winner in singles, and has won six titles in doubles including two at 1000 level in Madrid and Beijing.
The 28-year-old has also had some special moments in her two appearances at the Olympic Games, which includes beating a world number one player.
What did Sara Sorribes Tormo say after beating Ash Barty at the Tokyo Olympics?
In terms of ranking, the biggest win of Sorribes Tormo’s career came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Sorribes Tormo had beaten one top 10 player before, but faced a whole test when she drew world number one, at the time, Ash Barty in the first round.
Barty was just coming off the back of winning Wimbledon, and was the big favorite to beat Sorribes Tormo.
However, an erratic performance from the Australian compared to a disciplined one from Sorribes Tormo caused a huge shock in the Japanese capital.
Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images
After the match, Sorribes Tormo described her victory over Barty as a dream come true.
“It’s something I’ve been dreaming all my life, being here and, even more, beating a number one,” said Sorribes Tormo. “It’s an amazing feeling. I still can’t believe it.”
Sorribes Tormo achieved even more success at the subsequent Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal alongside Cristina Bucsa in the women’s doubles event.
It is now unclear as to what her future holds, as Sorribes Tormo could be set to join Barty in retirement.