In a surprise ceremony held right after her last match at the WTA Championships in Doha Elena Dementieva (original picture by Fedor Markushevich, derived version by deerstop) announced her retirement from professional tennis.

Born on October 15, 1981, Elena Dementieva started her professional career in 1998. In 2000 she won the silver medal in the Sydney olympic tournament and became the first russian player to reach a semifinal in a Grand Slam tournament at the U.S. Open.

In 2004 Elena Dementieva reached the final at Roland Garros and U.S. Open but she lost both to two compatriots: Anastasia Myskina in Paris and Svetlana Kuznetsova in New York.

In 2005 Elena Dementieva led Russia to the victory in Federation Cup defeating France in the final with her wins in the single matches vs. Mary Pierce and Amélie Mauresmo and also with her double win playing with Dinara Safina.

In 2010 Elena Dementieva won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

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These are just some highlights in a 12 years career marked by 16 single titles and also 6 double titles won by Elena Dementieva together with various double partners.

Elena Dementieva is a baseline player with excellent technical and athletic skills. Unfortunately for her, her serve has been her greatest problem, particularly during her early years.

He beauty and elegance will be missed. Let’s hope we’ll see her in some other roles. Regardless good luck for your future Elena!