With the 2026 tennis season almost at the halfway stage, two players have officially confirmed their retirement from the sport. As always, we document the list of all confirmed retirements in our monthly series. So, which players hung up their rackets in May?
Two Tennis Players Retire in May 2026
Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Bernabe Zapata Miralles retired at age 29 after playing in his hometown tournament in Valencia. He lost in the first round of the Valencia Challenger to Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. It was just his second match since he announced his impending retirement back in December. Few saw this decision coming, especially given Zapata Miralles’ reputation as one of the hardest-working players on tour. However, the final chapter of his tennis career was defined by severe mental health battles and loss of form.
The Spaniard admitted that he was unwilling to make the sacrifices required to return to the elite level of competition in an emotional Instagram post. Zapata Miralles reached a career-high ranking of No. 37 and won four ATP Challenger titles on clay. At Grand Slam level, he memorably made the fourth round of the 2022 French Open as a qualifier, earning an incredible win over Taylor Fritz. Zapata Miralles earned just under $3 million in career prize money.
Tereza Mrdeza
Croatian WTA player Tereza Mrdeza officially retired after a qualifying loss at the 2026 French Open. She also lost her other Grand Slam match earlier this year in the Australian Open qualifying. Mrdeza had been inactive since 2023 and entered the qualifying draws of both Majors this season with a protected ranking.
The 35-year-old was ranked No. 150 in her best years and won eight ITF titles during her career. Mrdeza qualified for her only Grand Slam main draw at the 2015 US Open and lost in the first round. She earned over $500,000 in career prize money.
Main Photo Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
