TENNIS NEWS - Former world No 2 Tommy Haas officially announced his retirement from tennis at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Thursday, ending a career that spanned more than two decades.
The 39-year-old German, a tournament director at the event, announced his decision in an emotional speech shortly after his close friend Roger Federer's quarterfinal victory over South Korea's Chung Hyeon.
"I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades," Haas said to an appreciative crowd that included retired greats Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.
"The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories. It also taught me a lot about what it means to face challenges, battle back, and overcome them.
