DOHA, Qatar (AP) Elena Dementieva retired from tennis after losing at the WTA Championships on Friday, ending a 13-year career in which she reached two Grand Slam finals and won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.
The 29-year-old Russian struggled with injuries this year but still won two tournaments. She announced her retirement following a 6-4, 6-2 defeat to French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. Dementieva was surrounded by her peers in a tearful ceremony, with mother Vera courtside.
It is so emotional,'' Dementieva said.It is so hard to say goodbye. I am going to miss you so much.''
Her rivals lined up to pay tribute.
She has been one of the players I grew up with playing in juniors,'' said Kim Clijsters, holding back tears.It's nice to see her looking forward to something new in her life. ... She has been one of the most professional players, one of the nicest girls on the court.''
Dementieva is ranked No. 9 after reaching a career-high No. 3 last year. She talked about retiring during a season in which she overcame shoulder, calf and ankle problems to qualify for the WTA Championships a 10th time.
I think she has been great inspiration for a lot of young Russians,'' compatriot Vera Zvonareva said.She was a role model. I looked up to her. She had such a great career. Right now, the whole country will be sad and everyone will support her.''
Stacy Allaster, chief executive officer of the WTA, said in a statement that Dementieva has been a ``champion and consummate professional on and off the court.''
``She has also been a catalyst for the growth of the sport in Russia and around the world,'' she added.
Dementieva considered her biggest achievement the Beijing title in which she beat Serena Williams, Zvonareva and Dinara Safina en route to the gold medal.
Dementieva was part of the first all-Russian Grand Slam final, losing the French title in 2004 to Anastasia Myskina. Later that year she reached her only other Grand Slam final - another all-Russian affair, this time at the U.S. Open with Svetlana Kuznetsova. She enjoyed outstanding wins over Amelie Mauresmo and Jennifer Capriati to reach both finals.
Dementieva competed in 46 consecutive Grand Slams until she missed this year's Wimbledon because of a calf injury.
After turning pro in 1998, Dementieva won 16 titles, including Sydney in January with a win over Williams, and the Paris Indoors in February. She was in two more finals in Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.
Dementieva played 18 series in the Fed Cup, spearheading Russia to the 2005 title with all three points in the final. She has been ranked in the top 20 since April 2003 and also was a top-five doubles player. She finishes with a 576-273 record and a place in the year-end top 10 for the seventh time in eight years.