Former top 25 player Jamie Hampton retires from tennis

Former World No. 24 Jamie Hampton has retired from tennis after failing to recover from a multitude of injury problems over the last six years.

Hampton, who was born in Germany but represented the United States, last played an official WTA match six years ago and reached a career-high ranking of No. 24 in July of 2013.

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However, just as she was hitting her peak, Hampton was struck down by various injuries – and now after six surgeries and countless attempted rehabs, the 30-year-old has decided to retire from her ‘first love’ and hang up the racquet.

“Confronting this reality couldn’t have been more disappointing and it’s taken many years to work through,” Hampton wrote on social media.”Tennis was my first love, and even though it’s been years since I’ve competed, it’s still heartbreaking to officially say goodbye.”

to the best fans ♥️

don’t forget my two-hander ? pic.twitter.com/DrcnyiQDh7

— Jamie Hampton (@Jamie_Hampton) May 19, 2020

Hampton was seemingly destined for the top 20 and beyond in 2013 when she upset Petra Kvitova to make the second week of Roland Garros and following that result up with a run to the final of the Premier-level event on the grass of Eastbourne as a qualifier.

But, after beginning the 2014 season with a semi-final finish in Auckland, Hampton withdrew before a scheduled encounter with Venus Williams and ultimately underwent six surgeries over the next 18 months.

“This has been a long time coming,” Hampton wrote. “Those of you who’ve followed my tennis career know that I’ve undergone numerous surgeries in the past few years.

“Unfortunately, they weren’t successful enough for me to return to tennis.”

Hampton claimed three top 10 scalps during her short career, including Agnieszka Radwanska and Caroline Wozniacki – two other players who have retired due to injury and health reasons over the last couple of years.

Hampton says she will now return to school and work towards obtaining a degree.