“I felt very tired and unmotivated”- Gabriela Sabatini on her decision to retire early.
Gabriela Sabatini won the US Open title in 1990 when she was just 20 years old. She continued to have more deep runs at Grand Slams after her win, but decided to hang her racquet six years after her greatest victory at just 26-years-old.
In an interview with The Swiss Life in 2020, the Agentine legend explained her decision. The US Open champion said that she did not regret her decision and added that 12 years on tour had left her tired and unmotivated. The Argentine also mentioned that she had lost the urge and motivation to train.
“I had already been on the pro tour for twelve years and felt very tired and unmotivated. When I woke up, I thought: “Now I have to train again, even though I don’t really want to.” I talked to a psychologist and over time I realised: “Enough is enough.” I have always listened to my inner conviction in life – and this is self-determination too. And that’s why I’m at peace with my decisions,” said Gabriela Sabatini when asked if she regretted her decision to retire early.