TOKYO, Japan - Ai Sugiyama played her final Sony Ericsson WTA Tour event this week, and in front of her home crowd, no less, at the Toray Pan Pacific Open. In the last singles match of her career Monday, the Japanese was forced to retire due to illness against Nadia Petrova. But despite an abbreviated final act, the entire play was nothing short of excellent, and it was topped off with a run to the doubles final. Read all about it in her final blog.
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Saturday, October 3, 2009
Hi everybody :)
My singles match earlier in the week was not the way I wanted to finish in singles. I was really looking forward to playing that match. I was feeling good mentally and physically, practicing well, and all of a sudden the night before I started feeling funny, hot and cold... I didn't feel good that morning either.
This week I had so many emotions, especially during the ceremony on Center Court last week. The messages the players gave me were incredible. I tried not to cry, but how can you not cry with those warm messages, and with them crying too? I had so many good friends on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. The time I spent with them was incredible. I'll treasure it always. We compete hard on the court, but when you're off the court you're friends. To have made those nice friends meant a lot to me - more than my tennis career.
I'm happy to be at home for my last tournament. Last weekend was my sister's birthday and the family all got together and stayed at the same hotel. It was a great time! It's not easy to say goodbye, but I've played long enough and enjoyed being on the Tour, and I'm just trying to enjoy this moment.
Without my mom, I wouldn't have had this career. She helped me a lot. She's amazing. Even if she weren't my mom, I'd ask her to be my coach. Our relationship is great. Sometimes mothers and daughters don't communicate easily, but we do. She's tough on me sometimes but I think I need it. She's so smart and I'm so happy about all of our years working together.
Tennis gave me so much. I fought hard on the tennis court my whole career, including this week. This was everything to me. Thanks to everyone who supported me in my career and to all of my fans.
Ai
What will you miss most about the Tour? Matt, Canada
Gosh, a lot of things. Spending time with good friends, mostly, the time we have shared I will never forget. On the court, I will miss the adrenaline of a match, the tension on the court... but I won't miss the pressure!
What was the most important quality that made you successful? Yuki
I guess my motivation to always be a better player, a stronger player, to improve my game. And my passion and fighting spirit.
Will you still be around in the tennis world? Andre, New Zealand
One hundred percent. I will take a break first and then think about coaching. I already have my tennis academy, which I opened in Chigasaki 11 years ago, so I'll be spending time there helping the juniors.
What are your off-court career goals in next 10 years? Tak, USA
To keep challenging myself, in any way. Not only in tennis. I want to do the things that I have never been able to do. And of course I want to have a family.
What is the first thing you will do after this week? Costi, Romania
I want to say thank you to everyone who has helped me in my career. And then I want to buy a dog! I want a French bull. If it's a boy I am going to call it Tiger, if it's a girl it will be Rebecca, or Becky.
Have you enjoyed other friendships as well as Daniela? James
Yes, with Katarina Srebotnik, who gave a very emotional speech earlier this week for me and watched our doubles matches here, and Kim Clijsters - I am so happy she is back on Tour and I am going to enjoy watching her.
What is the most memorable match in your career? Dey
The most memorable day in my career was in Scottsdale in 2003, when I had to play four matches in one day because of rain. Singles semifinal and final and doubles semifinal and final. I won all four matches and spent six hours and 40 minutes on court. I beat Kim in the final of the singles and then we teamed up and won the doubles together.
What do you think about Kimiko's return to the Tour? Stephanie, UK
I think it is unbelievable to come back like this after 12 years. I mean, who can do that? She has just turned 39. She has had Achilles and cramping problems but comes back to win a title - she is a truly amazing woman.
Will you keep everyone updated on what you're doing? Alex
Yep, for sure, I'll be doing blogs on my website. It's only in Japanese at the moment unfortunately.
