Not known for her mental toughness in big-stage situations, Clijsters was 1-4 in Grand Slam finals, losing at the French and Australian opens. Clijsters retired at 23, citing numerous injuries, and after going through multiple wrist surgeries.

“I’m just playing tennis for myself and I always have put my health as a priority to everything. Tennis is probably my life at this moment, but it’s not the only thing in my life.”

This is a sad day for our sport and for her millions of fans around the world, but I know that I speak for so many in wishing Justine the very best in her future endeavors and hope that she will stay connected to the sport to which she gave so much.