One-time phenom Vaidisova retires from tennis—again

Nicole Vaidisova has announced her retirement from tennis once again, citing frequent injuries since she decided to return to the game.

The former world No. 7 and two-time Grand Slam semifinalist stopped playing in 2010 at 21 years old. She had two shoulder surgeries married fellow player Radek Stepanek, but then, single again, she decided to make a comeback two years ago.

Despite winning a main-draw match in Miami as a wild card a year ago, the former phenom has played only intermittently, and mostly at the International Tennis Federation level.

Following what she described as "months and months of thinking and agonizing about this," the 27-year-old Czech said on social media, "I have decided to retire from professional tennis."

Vaidisova had climbed back into the Top 400—she’s currently No. 427—but described the injuries as physically and mentally exhausting.

"[I]t has gotten to the point where I have spent more time in hospitals, physical therapy and doctor’s offices th[a]n on the court, playing the sport I love,” she said.

She has retired with injury in two of her six ITF events this season.

"Ever since I decided to come back three years ago, it has been a roller-coaster ride of huge highs and lows, on and off the court," she said. "My tennis career has been anything but ordinary, but above every opinion, comment and what ifs, I can proudly say it has been mine.

"I look back in amazement at everything I was able to do. I am proud to have been able to compete with the best athletes in my sport and represent the Czech Republic … 20 years ago, this little girl had a dream, and today I can say it has come true."