One of the WTA's Top 100 veterans announces career break: “I need to recover the mind and the body”
WTAMonday, 17 August 2026 at 01:00
One of the most experienced players inside the WTA Top 100 has announced a break from competition. Laura Siegemund, 38, revealed on Instagram that she will step away from tennis following Wimbledon, meaning she will miss the upcoming US hard-court swing and will not compete for an unspecified period.
The German began 2026 ranked No. 40 but has slipped to No. 98 during a difficult singles campaign. She is set to fall outside the Top 100 after the Cincinnati Open, having managed just eight wins in 21 singles matches this season.
Siegemund's most recent appearance came at Wimbledon, where she lost in the opening round of singles to Elise Mertens. She had a stronger run across the doubles events, reaching the last 16 alongside Vera Zvonareva and the mixed doubles quarterfinals with Edouard Roger-Vasselin.
The veteran has spent much of her career balancing singles and doubles, with the latter producing some of the biggest achievements of her career. Her decision now leaves her future on the singles circuit uncertain as she takes time away from competition.
“I will take some time off, recover the mind and the body”
Siegemund explained that the decision was not simply about stepping away from the upcoming American tournaments. The German said she needs time to recover both physically and mentally before deciding what comes next.
“Hi everybody! … After Wimbledon I've decided to take a break from competition and I will miss the US swing and not play for a while. I will take some time off, recover the mind and the body, and then see where it takes me next ❤️”
The announcement comes after a season in which Siegemund has struggled to reproduce the level that took her to three Grand Slam third rounds last year. In 2025, she reached the Australian Open third round and repeated that result at the US Open, while also making the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
Her 2026 Grand Slam campaign has been considerably more difficult. Siegemund won only one match at the Australian Open before losing in the opening round at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She finishes the singles season with an 8-13 record.
Doubles, meanwhile, has continued to provide some of her strongest results. Siegemund reached a career-high No. 4 in the doubles rankings and currently sits at No. 19, having enjoyed deep runs this season including the Dubai final and Madrid semifinals, both alongside Zvonareva.
Their partnership has produced one of Siegemund's most significant achievements: the 2020 US Open doubles title. The German has also remained a regular presence in Grand Slam doubles despite continuing to compete in singles.
At 38, however, the physical and mental demands of maintaining both careers have become increasingly significant. Siegemund has now chosen to step away rather than continue through the American swing.
For now, there is no timetable for her return. Her message leaves the door open to whatever comes next, with the former world No. 27 in singles taking a rare pause after two decades on tour.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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