Moya retires due to foot injury
Former world number one Carlos Moya fought back tears as he formally announced his retirement from tennis at the age of 34 due to a recurring foot injury.
At a news conference in Madrid attended by family, friends and former players, including Manolo Santana and Albert Costa, the 1998 French Open champion said he would play one more event, in Seville in December, before ending his 15-year career.
Clad in a dark blazer, a white and blue-striped shirt open at the neck and blue jeans, the Spaniard welled up and had to make frequent pauses to compose himself as he announced his decision and thanked friends, family, his coaching and support staff, sponsors and fans.
The foot injury had plagued him for several years and he had been unable to shake it off despite consulting a host of different doctors, he explained.
"I wanted to say goodbye at some of the big tournaments, the grand slams, but that dream wasn't to be," said Moya, who was runner-up to Pete Sampras at the 1997 Australian Open.
"I am still young for life but for sport I am already knocking on a bit," he said, adding that his immediate plans were to rest and spend time at home with his partner and baby daughter Carla, who was born in August.
He will also make an appearance at the ATP World Tour finals in London next week. "But not to play," he joked.
Moya, a right-hander unlike his friend and current number one Rafa Nadal, who is also from Majorca, won the first of 20 career titles on his favoured clay in Buenos Aires in 1995.
In March 1999 he became the first Spaniard to rise to number one since the ATP rankings were introduced in 1973 and held the spot for two weeks.
One of his finest moments came in Seville in 2004 when he beat Andy Roddick to clinch the Davis Cup for Spain against the United States.
He slipped out of the top 10 in May 2005 and has suffered a string of injuries in recent years, including to ankle, shoulder and hip.
He last played on the ATP Tour at the Madrid Masters in May, when he lost to German Benjamin Becker in the first round. He ends his career with an ATP World Tour and grand slam record of 575 wins and 319 defeats.
"Thanks to everyone for all these years," he said. "We'll see each other soon, I don't know where but I hope it's soon."
Comment 1 - 18 of 18
Good Bye Moya but continue your contribution in whichever way you feel comfortable and find acceptance like coaching, commentating etc.
he was a really good tennis player and gentleman! farewell carlos!
i stiil remember when i notice him for the first time at 97 ausie open when he was beating boris becker ( the defending champion ) .... it was a surprise and he went to the final and lose to sampras ...... from this day moya became one the regular top players of the world ...... best 2 memories roland garros 98 beating corretja and masters cup 98 losing to corretja .... goodbye moya and thanx for 13 years of high quality entertaning tennis !!
bad for tennis.... why Moya not play anymore.... maybe Moya have 34 years.... but maybe play 1 year more.... Moya is fantastic player!! but goodbye Moya .... and good luck in your life!!
hasta la vista carlos....thought really ur long been retired
He's been a fine sportsman and had a remarkable career, shame that he has to retire but probably it's the right choice, if his body can't support him anymore. Adios Carlos!
He was getting on a bit and his body was telling him to retire
A real shame carlos moya was my favourite tennis player when i was younger
Thanks for all the wonderful memories Carlos!
Apart from the 19 ATP Titles and One Grand Slam, he was Runner-Up on 24 other occasions.
He played just about everyone in a Final.
Astonishingly in a 15 year career and 44 Finals appearances, he never played in a Grass Court Final.
I guess he wasn't a Vegetarian!
Adios and Gracias Carlos!
last active guy who won a slam in the 90's retired, now the furthest slam won is the 2001 us open by hewitt
Unbelievably sad. Don't be a stranger to the tournaments Carlos, we would still love to see you. All the very best wishes for the future.
One of the most elegant and stylish players of recent years, he had suberb courtcraft and anticipation as well as creative shotmaking and a top-class serve. But he was so unlucky with injuries. A back injury only a couple of weeks after making it to Nº 1 in the rankings followed by shoulder, hip, ankle and foot problems meant we shall never know if he could have contested Roger's supremacy. After 2000 his tennis was became conventional and lacked creativity, probably due to the fear of injury and he was never the same player as in the late 90's. He has a very attractive personality with a wry sense of humour, very intelligent and with an unlimited love of tennis. Let's hope he will continue to be involved with the game in one way or another. Carlos, it was always a pleasure to watch you play and thank you for everything.
Such a pity. He was a joy to watch and a real sportsman. Best of luck in whatever he choses to do in the future.
he will be missed
Adios Amigos
Best of luck in your future undertakings... Thanks for contributing your talents to the world of tennis these past years... You will really be missed...
fantastic ambassador for how tennis should be played. A true sportsman and stylish player. Shame he's had to retire from the sport he clearly loves.
Fine player/sportsman/gentleman.
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