Alize Cornet announces retirement from professional tennis during French Open

Alize Cornet, a former top-ranked French tennis player, bid farewell to her professional career after a tough first-round loss at the 2024 French Open. The 34-year-old, who achieved a career-high ranking of No. 11 and won six singles titles, announced earlier that this tournament would be her last.

In a match that lasted just 83 minutes, Cornet faced a straight-sets defeat against Qinwen Zheng of China. Despite the loss, French tennis officials paid tribute to Cornet with a video montage on Court Philippe-Chatrier, bringing the seasoned player to tears.

Reflecting on her retirement, Cornet expressed mixed emotions on the Tennis Channel broadcast, acknowledging the progress she has made over her 20-year professional career. She now looks forward to starting a new chapter in her life.

Zheng, the No. 7 player in the WTA singles rankings, dominated the match by breaking Cornet’s serve six times and hitting 25 winners. Cornet, ranked No. 106, struggled to find her rhythm, converting only 1 of 4 break points.

Cornet leaves behind a legacy of 543 singles victories and a record for the most consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearances by a woman (69). Despite only reaching the quarterfinals of one Grand Slam event, the Australian Open in 2022, Cornet’s contributions to the sport will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.