Shelby Rogers emotionally ended her tennis career after losing her first round at the U.S. Open at midnight Tuesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Rogers lost in straight sets to Jessica Pegula, and the crowd gave her a warm embrace when she took the microphone.
“I'm overwhelmed with emotions,” Rogers, a South Carolina native, said after the game. “No. 1 is gratitude. Gratitude for all the great moments and the tough moments on this court. But it's really special to be able to play here again.”
“I want to thank my family who are here, some of whom flew in today and some who have been here for the past few days. I appreciate the support. I appreciate my team, all of you who have worked behind the scenes for decades, it's been a long time building it. I thank God for the opportunity and the talent to glorify Him in everything I do. And I thank you for all of my emotions.”
The 31-year-old Rogers has been a top 30 singles player and top 40 doubles player during her long career, which included winning the women's national championship at age 17.
Rogers lost 6-4, 6-3 to Pegula in the final match of the day on the U.S. Open courts.
The sixth-seeded Pegula, who will face American Sofia Kenin in the second round on Thursday, entered the tournament as one of the favorites to win after winning the Canadian Open and losing in the Cincinnati Masters final.
“I wish I was more prepared,” Rodgers said. “It's really special to be able to share this with you all. I just can't wait… I don't know what else I can do in this sport. I don't want to quit this sport, but my body is telling me it's time. So I'm not a stranger. I hope to see you all soon.”
Rodgers has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, including knee surgery in 2018, which forced him to miss several years of his prime.
Her longest absence was from 2018 to 2020, but she made a spectacular return at the 2020 U.S. Open, reaching the quarterfinals.
There, she defeated Elena Rybakina in the second round and made a Cinderella-like run to the quarterfinals, where she lost in straight sets to eventual winner Naomi Osaka.
She made it clear before the start of the US Open that this was the end of her career, but did not announce any plans for the future.
