Venus Williams reacts as Zarina Diyas announces retirement

Diyas shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on her journey, from her early days in Almaty to competing on the biggest stages in tennis. She highlighted reaching the top 30 in the world rankings and representing Kazakhstan at the Olympic Games as defining achievements.

“Today I am closing one of the most important chapters of my life… I am ending my professional tennis career,” Diyas wrote. “It has been an incredible journey… the path of a girl from Almaty who dreamed of playing on the world stage.”

Williams, who faced Diyas twice in her career with their head-to-head tied at 1-1, responded with a warm message: “You’re an inspiration! Will miss seeing you on the court!” Diyas replied, “Thanks Venus! Means the world.”

Other players also paid tribute, including Daria Saville and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, who both shared supportive messages following the announcement.

Diyas leaves behind a solid career record

Over the course of her career, Diyas reached a peak singles ranking of world No.31 in 2015 and claimed one WTA title at the Japan Women’s Open in 2017. She also made a previous final at the same tournament in 2014.

Her best Grand Slam performances came at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in back-to-back years (2014 and 2015). In doubles, she made the quarter-finals of the 2014 US Open alongside Xu Yifan.

Williams will return to competition at the Madrid Open later this month, as she plays her first clay court tournament since 2021.