French tennis icon Alizé Cornet has made a surprising U-turn on her retirement plans, less than a year after announcing her departure from the sport.
The seasoned player revealed her return to clay-court action on Monday, stating she will compete next month at the indoor Open de Rouen, held in her homeland of France.
The tournament’s organisers have granted Cornet a second wildcard entry, allowing the 35-year-old to be directly placed in the main draw.
The event is scheduled to take place from 14 to 20 April.
“You thought you were rid of me, but that’s not the case just yet,” Cornet remarked.
“When I resumed training two months ago, I set my sights on being ready for Rouen, and I’m grateful to Charles (Roche) for this opportunity to enter the main draw directly.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be back on the courts of the Open Capfinances Rouen Métropole for what marks an exciting comeback to competition for me.”
Cornet currently holds the women’s record for the most consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played, with 69 appearances spanning from the 2007 Australian Open to the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros.
On day six of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on June 28, 2014 in London, England. Getty
Having achieved a career-high ranking of No.11 in 2009, Cornet notably defeated world No.1 Serena Williams during the third round of Wimbledon in 2014.
The accomplished French player has claimed six WTA singles titles throughout her career and made a significant quarter-final appearance at the 2022 Australian Open, securing her legacy as one of the greats of French tennis.
Charles Roche, the tournament director of the Open de Rouen, expressed delight at Cornet’s return to the courts.
“An exceptional competitor, there’s no doubt she will give her all on the court as always.”
Her retirement in 2024 corresponded with the end of her illustrious tennis career, starting at her home Grand Slam event of Roland Garros.
Alize Cornet of France reacts after her loss against Zheng Qinwen of People’s Republic of China, marking the final match of her professional career, during the Women’s Singles first round at the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros on May 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) Getty
Following a straight-set defeat to No.7 seed Zheng Qinwen (6-2, 6-1) in the first round of the French Open, a retirement ceremony was held to honour Cornet’s remarkable achievements.
In her tribute to the audience, delivered in French, she expressed, “This is where I wanted to bid farewell to professional tennis. I am grateful to have reached a point in my life where I can say goodbye in front of my fans and family.”
“[Roland Garros] was the first Grand Slam I participated in at 15, and this year marks my 20th appearance.”
Cornet will kick off her revived career at the WTA 250 tournament in Rouen on 14 April.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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