Two-time WTA title winner and former World No.26 Lauren Davis announces retirement

It is a double American retirement this week with Lauren Davis joining Christopher Eubanks in curtailing her career this week after not being able to recapture previous heights.

Davis returned in 2024 after injury started to take hold and she reached back-to-back WTA 125 semi-finals at the Dow Tennis Classic and the Fifth Third Charleston 2. But one of her last acts was losing to Zheng Qinwen in the second round of the Miami Open after she won her first main-draw match in two years.

She failed to qualify for the US Open with her last match coming at that event in which she stated in an Instagram statement was where she knew her end point was nigh.

Albeit it was a lot different for the now 32-year-old who was a top three junior and reached third rounds at the Australian Open, US Open and Wimbledon despite clay being seen in fact as perhaps her best surface. 

She won two titles in her career with Auckland being sealed back in 2017 defeating Ana Konjuh. That year saw her ascend to World No.26. She bounced back some years later winning the Hobart International title in Australia albeit despite getting back into the top 50, injury saw her retire at the French Open and also losing to Kaja Juvan at the US Open and her career stalled from there and she has now taken the decision to retire.

"How do you sum up years of memories into a single post?! I’m not sure, but I’ll do my best. I’ve dedicated the past 20 years of my life to tennis, and after the US Open I knew it was time to say goodbye. When I was 16 years old, I left home and everything I knew to chase a dream in my heart," wrote Davis on Instagram.

"I moved to Florida, and less than a year later I turned pro. I was never the tallest or the most talented, but I knew what I wanted, and I was determined to make it happen. At 5’2”, I was one of the shortest players on tour, but I never let that limit me. I saw it as an opportunity to be an anomaly—and hopefully to inspire others along the way. I hope I did just that.

"Tennis has given me so much, and I’m endlessly grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the friends I’ve made. The lifestyle wasn’t always easy, but it brought my family and me so much joy and fulfillment. Tennis helped shape me into the woman I am today. It challenged me, pushed me, and helped me to grow in ways I could’ve never imagined. It has prepared me to step into a beautiful life after my career.

"I’m deeply proud of myself for showing up day after day for the past 15 years and giving it everything I had. I can truly say I have no regrets—I left my heart out there every single time. From practicing against the wretched ball machine at Mayfield Racquet Club to going toe-to-toe with world No. 1s at the Slams, it has been an honor to play the sport I’ve loved for so long.

"One thing I’ve learned is that it truly takes a village to accomplish anything meaningful. I’ve been blessed with the best people around me—supporting, encouraging, and believing in me. Thank you for pouring your hearts into me and my dreams. I believe that helping someone pursue their dreams is one of the greatest acts of selflessness, and I could never have done this alone. So thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey, big or small. And thank you to young Lauren, who believed in herself against all odds."