Former World Number One and French Open champion Ana Ivanovic retires from tennis

The 29-year-old told her fans that she made the decision to retire after coming to the realisation that she is no longer capable of competing at her highest level.

"After 13 years of playing tennis professionally, I have taken the extremely difficult decision to retire from competitive tennis," Ivanovic said in a statement. "This has been a tough decision, but there is so much to celebrate.

"I began dreaming about tennis when I was five years old and saw Monica Seles. My dear parents backed me all the way, and by the time I was ranked #1 in the world in 2008 I had seen highs I'd never dreamed of.

"But seeing those 'highs' in any professional sport demands top physical form, and it is well known that I have been hampered by injuries. For myself, for my fans and for all the young girls and boys who might be watching me, just as I watched Monica, I can only play if I can perform up to my own high standards. I can no longer do that, so it is time to miove on.

"While my competitive chapter is coming to an end, tennis and my love for the game will still remain very close to my heart - I won't be disappearing completely from the circuit! I am also excited about the new challenges and the new path ahead of me."

Ivanovic enjoye a stellar singles career, reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2007 before her stand-out season in 2008, during which she reached the final of the Australian Open and claimed the title at Roland Garros.