Former world No. 24 Olivier Rochus, who has not played full-time since undergoing shoulder surgery in 2013, has announced his retirement from tennis.
The 33-year-old Belgian was as known as much for his height as his career achievements, standing just 5'6" on a tour filled with players much taller than him. He won the French Open doubles title with compatriot Xavier Malisse in 2004.
“I adored playing matches—the tension, the adrenaline, in front of 10,000, 15,000 people, 5-5 in the set,” he told RTBF.
Rochus, whose brother, Christophe, was also an ATP player, played the Mons Challenger this week before hanging up his racquet. "My career was long and beautiful, despite my size," he said at the tournament. “I played at a high level for many years and there are not many players who can say that.”
Retirement will be a "new life," said the former Belgian No. 1.
“I had time to get used to the idea of retirement, little by little, because of my problems with my shoulder,” he said. “I will keep playing tennis, to keep my form. Not the Masters tournaments, which are played by the world elite which is not my case. But some tournaments at clubs, for pleasure. I will keep playing golf as well.”
Saying he would like to be Davis Cup captain one day, Rochus now plans to begin coaching a Belgian junior.
Players tweeted their reaction to Rochus’ retirement: