'For real this time' - French tennis star Alize Cornet announces retirement for the second time

After hanging up her tennis racket over a year ago only to make a brief comeback, French tennis veteran Alize Cornet has decided to call it quits again.

The 35-year old took to social media to again announce her retirement, stressing this would be the final time. Cornet initially called it a career after her home Grand Slam at the 2024 French Open, but returned to the sport in April of this year.

Cornet began her comeback at the WTA 125 event in La Bisbal d'Empordà, Spain. After reaching the quarterfinals, the Nice native would compete in the qualifying rounds for a few WTA events, including Wimbledon. However, her best result would be an opening round loss at the Strasbourg Open in May.

After a first round loss at the WTA 125K San Sebastian earlier this month, Cornet would announce her retirement for the second time. The French star would make the announcement on Instagram, stating she was ending the chapter of her life as a player.

Cornet recorded several impressive wins during her career

"Reflecting on my time in San Sebastian and the end (for real this time ) of a chapter as a player," Cornet wrote on Instagram. "Couldn't dream of a better place than this beautiful city to definitely turn the page and start writing others, in every sense of the word."

The French star made her Grand Slam singles debut at the 2005 French Open debut at the age of 15. She would go on to enjoy a successful career that saw her win six singles WTA titles and climb to a career-high ranking of World No.11.

Additionally, the 2019 Fed cup champion posted 25 Top 10 wins, including seven victories over Top 3 players. She defeated World No.1 Serena Williams (three times in 2014), No.3 Agnieszka Radwanska (2014), No.2 Simona Halep (2015), No.3 Garbine Muguruza (2022) and No.1 Iga Swiatek (2022). The win over Swiatek occurred at Wimbledon, and it was a special win as it memorably ended the six-time Grand Slam champion's 37-match winning streak.

“Alize's distinguished WTA results and incredible record of Grand Slam participation reflect supreme dedication to the game and a fierce competitive spirit,” WTA Chairman and CEO Steve Simon said in 2024. “She can also be proud of her contribution as a role model who helped to grow women’s tennis by engaging with fans, sponsors and media in a special way. On behalf of the WTA family, I wish her much happiness and success as she takes on new adventures."