Former doubles World No.1 Elena Vesnina has officially announced her retirement from professional tennis, marking the conclusion of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades. The 38-year-old Russian tennis star shared the news via social media, expressing gratitude for the experiences and achievements she garnered throughout her journey.
A Doubles Legend
Vesnina has solidified her place in tennis history as one of the most accomplished doubles players of recent times. Alongside her long-time partner Ekaterina Makarova, she achieved numerous milestones:
- Grand Slam Success:
- Women’s Doubles: 2013 Roland-Garros, 2014 US Open, 2017 Wimbledon (all with Makarova).
- Mixed Doubles: 2016 Australian Open title (with Bruno Soares).
- Olympic Glory:
- Gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics in women’s doubles with Makarova.
- Season-End Champion:
- Winner of the 2016 WTA Finals Singapore doubles event with Makarova.
- World No.1 Ranking:
- Jointly held the No.1 doubles spot for five weeks in 2018 with Makarova.
Her doubles career culminated in an impressive record of 437 wins and 235 losses, with 19 WTA doubles titles, including 8 WTA 1000 events.
Singles Success
Although known primarily for her doubles dominance, Vesnina had a notable singles career as well:
- WTA Singles Titles:
- 2013 Hobart International, 2013 Eastbourne International, and 2017 BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells.
- Her Indian Wells triumph is particularly memorable, where she defeated top players like Angelique Kerber, Venus Williams, and Svetlana Kuznetsova en route to the title.
- Grand Slam Highlight:
- Reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2016.
- Career-High Ranking:
- Achieved World No.13 in singles in 2017.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
Vesnina’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. After her first maternity leave in 2018 following the birth of her daughter Elizaveta, she made a strong return to professional tennis. Highlights of her comeback include:
- 2021 Wimbledon doubles final with Veronika Kudermetova.
- Mixed doubles finals appearances at Roland-Garros and the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
She stepped away from tennis again in 2022 to welcome her second daughter, Anna, in 2023. Vesnina briefly returned to the court in 2024, with her last professional match played at the Paris Olympics.
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A Rich Personal Life
Elena Vesnina was born on August 1, 1986, in Lviv, Ukraine. Off the court, she has built a fulfilling personal life. In November 2015, Vesnina married Pavel Tabuntsov, and together they have two daughters—Elizaveta and Anna. Her dedication to family life has been a cornerstone of her journey, balancing her role as a mother with the demands of professional tennis.
Post-Retirement Plans
Although Vesnina has announced her retirement from professional play, she has expressed a desire to remain connected to the sport she loves. While specific plans are yet to be detailed, she has shown interest in:
- Coaching and mentoring young athletes.
- Participating in tennis-related events and programs.
- Advocating for tennis and inspiring the next generation of players.
Her experience, passion, and success suggest she will continue to make valuable contributions to the tennis world in various capacities.
A Gratitude-Filled Goodbye
In her retirement announcement, Vesnina reflected on her journey with heartfelt gratitude:
“As a little girl, I could not have dreamed I would get to play tennis on the biggest stages and achieve such results. It’s time to say goodbye, but I’m very happy and thankful for all the memories and support I’ve enjoyed throughout my career—from my fans, my WTA family, my doubles and mixed doubles partners, and colleagues on the tour. Tennis has brought me friends for life.”
The Legacy of Elena Vesnina
Elena Vesnina’s legacy extends beyond her impressive stats. Her achievements, both in singles and doubles, her Olympic gold medal, and her ability to juggle motherhood and a professional career make her a role model for aspiring players worldwide. With 10 singles finals, 45 doubles finals (11 at Grand Slams), and a career prize money total of $13 million, Vesnina retires as one of the sport’s most accomplished and respected players.
As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, Vesnina leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and grace, marking the end of a remarkable era in tennis. Her journey will continue to inspire generations of tennis players and fans alike.