Shelby Rogers ended her tennis career for emotional reasons after losing the first round of the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium at midnight on Tuesday.
Rogers lost in straight sets to Jessica Pegula and received a warm hug from the crowd as she took the microphone.
“Overwhelming emotions,” said Rogers, who is from South Carolina, after the game. “The most important thing is just gratitude. Gratitude for all the great moments and also some tough ones on this court. But it’s really special that I can play here again.”
“I’m thankful for my family that’s here. Some of them flew in today. Some of them have been here for a few days. Thank you for the support. My team, everyone behind the scenes that has been here for decades… it’s taken many years to get everything done. I’m thankful to the Lord for these blessings and talents and opportunities to glorify Him in everything I do. And most of all, for my feelings.”
During her long career, 31-year-old Rogers was among the top 30 in singles and the top 40 in doubles. At the age of 17, she won the girls’ national championship, among other things.
Rogers lost to Pegula in the last match of the day on the US Open court 4-6, 3-6.
Sixth-seeded Pegula, who will face American Sofia Kenin in the second round on Thursday, entered the race as one of the favorites after her victory at the Canadian Open and her loss in the final of the Cincinnati Masters.
“I wish I had prepared better for this,” Rogers said. “It’s so special to share this with you guys and I can’t wait to see it… I don’t know what else I can do with the sport. I don’t want to give it up, but my body is saying it’s time, so I won’t be a stranger and I hope to see you guys soon.”
Rogers has struggled with injuries throughout her career, including knee surgery in 2018, that forced her to miss some of her prime years.
Her longest absence was from 2018 to 2020, although she returned in style by reaching the quarterfinals of the 2020 US Open.
At this tournament, she defeated Elena Rybakina in the second round and, like Cinderella, made it to the quarterfinals, where she lost to eventual winner Naomi Osaka in two sets.
Even before the start of the US Open, she had made it clear that this would be the end of her career, but without announcing any further plans for the future.
