Jack Romeo
Professional
Former French Open champion Albert Costa to quit
MADRID, April 21 (Reuters) - Spain's Albert Costa, the 2002 French Open champion, will retire after next week's Barcelona Open.
"I have decided to call an end to my career," Costa told a news conference on Friday. "I have achieved all the objectives and dreams I set myself.
"This tournament is a special one for me and one where I know they would like to see me play once again."
The 30-year-old has competed at the Barcelona Open on 13 consecutive occasions, winning it in 1997.
Costa was part of Spain's victorious Davis Cup team in 2000 but his big individual moment came at Roland Garros four years ago when he beat compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in four sets to win the French Open.
"I was finding it harder and harder to leave home and to go out on to the courts to compete again, and lately injuries have become a problem," said Costa.
"First I'm going to enjoy some time with my family and doing the things I couldn't do during my professional career.
"After that I would like to give something back to tennis and in the future would love to be a Davis Cup captain."
MADRID, April 21 (Reuters) - Spain's Albert Costa, the 2002 French Open champion, will retire after next week's Barcelona Open.
"I have decided to call an end to my career," Costa told a news conference on Friday. "I have achieved all the objectives and dreams I set myself.
"This tournament is a special one for me and one where I know they would like to see me play once again."
The 30-year-old has competed at the Barcelona Open on 13 consecutive occasions, winning it in 1997.
Costa was part of Spain's victorious Davis Cup team in 2000 but his big individual moment came at Roland Garros four years ago when he beat compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in four sets to win the French Open.
"I was finding it harder and harder to leave home and to go out on to the courts to compete again, and lately injuries have become a problem," said Costa.
"First I'm going to enjoy some time with my family and doing the things I couldn't do during my professional career.
"After that I would like to give something back to tennis and in the future would love to be a Davis Cup captain."
