During an interview on Canal+, Former world No. 11 Alize Cornet announced that she would retire after Roland Garros. Cornet has been trying hard to qualify for the home Olympics, but her level and body can’t keep up. She played a good 2022 season, but since then, her level has declined drastically. She has lost her last eight matches in all competitions.
The Frenchwoman was always a dangerous opponent and a fun player on and off the court. She made the sport more entertaining with her tenacity and maximized her potential. She gets to sign off in front of her home fans at Roland Garros, where she will make her 20th appearance.
Rafael Nadal congratulated her with a recorded message: “Bonjour Alize, I just want to congratulate you on an amazing career, I want to wish you all the very best in whatever you decide to do in future.” Nadal’s words seemed to make her extremely happy and emotional.
A Grand Slam record holder and Giant Slayer
Alize Cornet may not have had the greatest career on paper, but all the big names on tour hesitated to face her. Cornet was known as a giant slayer with 25 top-10 wins. She had three wins over Serena Williams and ended the 37-match win streak of Iga Swiatek in Wimbledon 2022.
Cornet holds the record for most consecutive appearances in a Grand Slam main draw with 68. She has not missed a Major since the Australian Open in 2007. Cornet won six WTA singles titles and the Billie Jean King Cup with France in 2019. She has been establishing her other career as a writer for the past few years, publishing her first book in September 2020.
Alize Cornet has provided the tennis world with many memorable moments, some dramatic and some inspirational. She should be deeply cherished and will be missed on the tour.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
