Cheers to a legend! Shingo Kunieda, winner of 50 major titles, announces retirement

Another tennis legend has hung up his racquet, and this time, it’s one going out on top after a 21-year pro career.

Shingo Kunieda, who compiled a combined 50 majors and four Paralympic gold medals to become the most decorated wheelchair tennis player in history, announced his retirement on Sunday. The 38-year-old, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, revealed in a farewell note online that the decision had been on his mind since fulfilling his dream at his home Paralympics in Tokyo 16 months earlier.

“By capturing the 10th time (as ITF) World Champion, I felt that I had done enough in what I wanted to accomplish and thought it was the right time to retire,” he shared.

Completing a Career Grand Slam at the All England Club last summer was also a contributing factor.

“[Winning a] Wimbledon singles title for the first time made me feel that my energy was little left to compete.”

Diagnosed with a spinal tumor when he was nine, Kunieda first ascended to the top of the wheelchair singles rankings in October 2006 and a few months later, celebrated his first taste of Grand Slam success after sweeping the trophies at Melbourne Park in January 2007. He went on to post an astonishing 28-7 record in singles finals on the major stage, which included celebrating 11 triumphs at the Australian Open.

Said Alfie Hewett, whom Kunieda faced in three of the four major title matches in 2022:

“Undoubtedly one of the best athletes this sport has and ever will see. You’re an extraordinary role model and ambassador and what you’ve achieved on and off the court has been inspirational. We’ve shared some big moments and epic battles along the way, some I want to forget. You leave a huge legacy behind you. You and your team should be very proud. Enjoy the retirement Shingo.”

Billie Jean King and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley were also among those to pay tribute within hours of Kunieda breaking the news. The Tokyo native finishes his career with 699 singles wins, 582 weeks as the singles No. 1 and 102 weeks as the doubles No. 1.