David Goffin Calls Time on Tennis Career

David Goffin, the first Belgian tennis player to ever break into the world’s Top 10, has announced that he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of World #7 in 2017, made the announcement in a heartfelt video posted on social media, explaining that the decision came after years of playing at the highest level.

“My body has been affected by all these years at the highest level,” Goffin admitted. “The knee injury I suffered last year played a decisive role in my decision to stop.”

“I gave everything to tennis, and this sport has given me far more than I ever dared imagine. That’s what makes my decision so difficult,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the sport.

Currently ranked #156 in the world, Goffin has been battling physical setbacks, with the knee injury proving to be a major factor in his choice to step away from the sport.

Since turning professional in 2009, Goffin has carved out a successful career, amassing six ATP titles and reaching nine other finals. Despite his impressive accomplishments, he never advanced beyond the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. His best performances came in 2016 and 2017 when he reached the last eight at Roland Garros and the Australian Open, respectively.

Goffin also enjoyed notable success at Wimbledon, making the quarterfinals in 2019 and 2022. In addition to his individual success, Goffin played a crucial role in Belgium’s run to the Davis Cup final in 2015 and 2017. However, despite his valiant efforts, Goffin lost the decisive rubber against Andy Murray in 2015 and against France in 2017.

One of the defining moments of his career came after the 2017 Davis Cup final, when Goffin reached the ATP Finals in London, defeating tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Although he ultimately lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the final, it marked the pinnacle of his career.

As Goffin steps away from the court, his impact on Belgian tennis and the sport will certainly be remembered.