Prajnesh Gunneswaran Announces Retirement From Professional Tennis

Asian Games bronze medal winner Prajnesh Gunneswaran on Friday announced his retirement from professional tennis.

35-year-old Indian, who won singles bronze in 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, wrote on his Instagram account: "Hanging up my racquet. Thank you." Gunneswaran, who rose to world No.75 in ATP rankings in 2019, expressed his deep gratitude for being able to compete at top level for several years.

"As I write this, my heart swells with gratitude, pride, and a touch of nostalgia. Today, I step off competitive tennis court for last time.

"For over three deces, this game has been my sanctuary, my greatest teacher, and my most faithful companion. From first swing of my racquet to representing India on grandest stages, journey has been nothing short of extraordinary," he wrote.

Chennai-born player, who turned pro in 2010, finished with a singles record of 11–28 and a doubles record of 1-1. His highest doubles ranking was 248 which he attained in 2018.

Gunneswaran also competed in all four Grand Slams, bowing out in opening round in all instances. Australian Open was only Slam in which he competed on multiple occasions -- 2019 and 2020.

"Every drop of sweat, every victory, every setback - it's all woven into fabric of who I am. Tennis taught me discipline, resilience, and power of dreaming big," he furr wrote in his post.

"It gave me friendships that transcend borders and memories that will last a lifetime. It challenged me to dig deep, to grow, and to be better - not just as a player but as a human being," he noted.

He h success in ATP Challenger Tour and in ITF Futures Tour, possessing a record of 2-7 and 9-9 respectively in singles category.

He won only a title in doubles -- Egypt F25, Sharm El Sheikh (ITF Futures Tour) -- in 2018 with his Egyptian partner Issam Haitham Taweel.

Gunneswaran's biggest win against a top-20 player came in 2019 when he beat n-18th-ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia during Indian Wells Masters in second round.

"To my coaches, teammates, and most of all, my family -- you have been my backbone. To my fans who cheered me on through highs and lows- I'm deeply grateful.

"And to sport that gave me everything - I owe you my heart. Thank you, tennis, for ride of a lifetime," he concluded.