Stepanek hangs up racket at 38
PRAGUE: Injury-plagued veteran Radek Stepanek said on Tuesday he would quit tennis after a professional career spanning 21 years and including two Davis Cup and two Grand Slam doubles titles.
“I knew a tennis career was limited, but I wanted it to last as long as possible,” the 38-year-old Czech told reporters in Prague.
“I have fought until my last breath but it’s time to go now,” he added.
“I have decided to end my career. I took a broader look at my life and found out I’d hate to risk my health.”
Stepanek has won five ATP singles titles, 18 doubles titles, and two Grand Slam doubles titles, with India’s Leander Paes at the 2012 Australian Open and the 2013 US Open.
Together with Tomas Berdych, Stepanek led the Czech Republic to Davis Cup titles in 2012 and 2013, becoming the first player ever to win two decisive fifth rubbers in two consecutive Davis Cup finals.
Already popular among fans for his colourful playing style, involving wild fist-pumping and jumps of all sorts, Stepanek became a national hero after the wins.
Born on Nov. 27, 1978 in the eastern Czech city of Karvina, Stepanek reached a career-high eighth spot in the singles rankings in 2006.
Sixyearslater,hewasfourthinthe doubles rankings. Stepanek’s career wasmarredbyinjuries—inthespring he underwent a lumbar spine surgery following his last appearance on the court at the Australian Open.