Elena Dementieva To Retire

Elena Dementieva has brought her thirteen year tennis career to an end at the WTA Championships in Doha.

It's been a tough second half of the season for the Russian who has struggled with injury. She was forced to pull out of her semi final with Francesca Schiavone earlier this summer - she went on to miss Wimbledon.

Dementieva has been as high as world number three but has slid down to nine as she struggled to win matches but she was in Doha for the end of year tournament.

But it was another tough competition for the Russian as she won just two games against world number one Caroline Woznacki.

However she did turn it around against Samantha Stosur before losing to Francesca Schiavone in what was to be the final match of her career.

Speaking to the Doha crowd after her defeat to Schiavone she said: "I would to thank all the players for an amazing experience and some wonderful memories. It's very emotional.

"I would like to thank all the people round the world that have supported me throughout my career and especially my fan club, you were always there for me.

"No matter winning or losing, I could always feel your support so thank you for your devotion. It's emotional saying goodbye to all of you. I will miss you."

2004 was one of her best years as she reached the final of both the French Open and the U.S. Open, losing to Anastasia Myskina and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

And while she never picked up a Grand Slam title she won gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw