MOSCOW, January 28. /TASS/. Russia’s 2016 Olympic champion in tennis (ladies pairs) Ekaterina Makarova announced a decision on Tuesday to retire from professional sports.
"I have made an uneasy decision to wrap up with my professional career in tennis," the 31-year-old Russian tennis player stated in her Instagram account.
"Today, I want to thank everyone who has been with me shoulder to shoulder all these years. Who took part in my sports career, starting from my childhood and ending with it," she continued. "I was lucky enough to work with the best team of professionals. My favorite coaches, sparring, massage therapists, and osteopaths. My team has always been my mainstay and support."
"I would like to thank my lovely family and friends who have always been there for me. I always feel your love and support. My family is my source of energy and inspiration."
"My dear, faithful fans! You have always supported me anywhere in the world," she continued. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your faith in me, gave me strength and helped me moving forward to victories!"
"I am very happy and proud of my sports career. It's time to move on and start a new stage in my life," she added.
Playing in pair with Elena Vesnina, Makarova won the gold of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Brazil in women’s doubles competition. The pair of Makarova-Vesnina also topped the WTA (Women's Tennis Association) Rankings in 2018 in doubles’ competitions.
Makarova is the winner of three WTA tournaments in women’s singles category. Her best results at the Grand Slam tournaments in the women’s singles were the semifinals of the 2015 Australian Open and the 2014 US Open.
Playing at the Grand Slam tournaments in women’s doubles, Makarova became winner of the 2013 French Open, the 2014 US Open and the 2017 Wimbledon. She is also the winner of the 2012 US Open in the mixed doubles event.