TMZ reports that Italian tennis player, Giuseppina Benedetti will retire from professional tennis at the end of 2017, joining the likes of Vittoria Perez and Xhaka Ymer who have had rumors circulating about their imminent retirement. Perez has since denied the rumors, stating that she will play through 2018.
Rumor reports include stories that Benedetti will pursue a career in acting, and will run for Prime Minister of Italy.
Benedetti's representatives denied the claims as ludicrous.
This would be a huge disaster, but we have to discuss the 2018 season anyway; I hope we can finish the season in style, but I won't continue the way we currently do....
Haven't fully decided, and certainly I don't think losing me will affect the game's success. As long as the people running the game continue to do the awesome job they do and care about it, then it will survive just fine no matter who retires.
In a press release on Friday, Italian Giuseppina Benedetti announced plans for an indefinite break from the Fantasy Women's Tennis Tour, shortly after winning a quarterfinals match in Wuhan. Citing burnout, Benedetti said that she and the FWTT were "pulling a Ross and Rachel" referencing the famous episode of TV show Friends. Read the full release below:
It is with regret that I withdraw from Wuhan in the middle of the tournament. I apologize to the fans who were hoping to see two good semifinals matches; I apologize to Suzanne Fouche, who was probably hoping to play a good semifinal match;
and I apologize to the other players in the draw, for taking up a spot in the semifinals and wasting it. However, after lengthy debate and much stress, I have decided it is for the better that I take an indefinite break from the FWTT. I am pulling a Ross and Rachel with the FWTT. This is not a retirement announcement. However, I do plan to use my time off to refresh and decide if I wish to continue playing professional tennis. I will re-evaluate my position before the tour championships. If I am still not feeling ready to return, then it may be in 2018 or beyond.
While it is true that I have a set of disagreements with the current management of the tour, it is not because of these disagreements that I am taking a break. I have not been enjoying myself since early this spring and have been considering this for a while. The disagreements do not help my motivation, but my decision to take a break is solely based on burnout. Thanks and I wish my fellow competitors best of luck while I'm gone.
Benedetti is expected to be fined $25,000 dollars for withdrawing from Wuhan.
It is a shame, but as I said before, you need to accept a decision, even you don't like it and your critical points haven't been voiced in a constructive way at all. But there is always a place to come back and I would be very happy to have Guisa back in the game.
Regla Torres comments on the Giuseppina Benedetti's break from tennis
"We've had a private chat. I myself have been away from the sport, it feels like, I haven't that motivated to compete. I do hope that she does everything for the right reason. That's what I have to say. Personally, I support her either way. I will myself do some thinking."
I've been playing longer that anyone else. I am almost 39 years old with my 17th year on tour. If Guisa chooses to retire because she is ready then I accept that. However, if she is retiring because of management, drama, or other bullshit then she needs to get over it. I have been through more of that that any other player EVER. I'm a survivor and continue to support this game no matter what. I am here to talk and am certain she will come to her senses. This game is bigger than any of us.
Lol, thanks, Ruflina, but as my post CLEARLY states, IF I retired, it is because I'm not enjoying the game anymore. Thanks, though, for your conjecture.