Peer-less era begins in Israel

JERUSALEM - Israel's most successful women's tennis player Shahar Peer on Tuesday announced her retirement because of a chronic shoulder injury.

The former world No 11 reached two Grand Slam quarterfinals, at the Australian and US Opens in 2007, and won five WTA titles.

But the 29-year-old has battled injuries in recent years, last playing at the Monterrey Open in 2016, where she lost the opening round of qualifying, and said she has fallen out of love with the sport.

"I want to share with you one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life," Peer wrote on her Facebook page. "After 23 years, 13 of which I was an international professional tennis player, I am retiring.

"I made this decision following a chronic inflammation in my shoulder that has lasted for more than two years and prevents me from competing at the high level that I am used to and expect of myself."

Peer turned pro in 2004, reaching a career-high world No 11 ranking in 2011, but dropped to 177th by 2015.

At the 2008 Qatar Open she became the first Israeli to compete at a WTA tournament in the Middle East.

She also played 75 Fed Cup matches for her country and in 2008 represented Israel at the Beijing Olympics.

"I lost my desire for the game of tennis and the intense way of life I have lived since I was six years old," she wrote.

"I look back on this experience with a huge smile, a lot of happiness and satisfaction."

Novak wins in return

Meanwhile, former world No 1 Novak Djokovic was made to work hard before finishing strongly to defeat Martin Klizan in straight sets on his return to competition at the ATP Acapulco event on Tuesday.

Djokovic has not played since his stunning second- round exit at the Australian Open in January, and showed signs of rustiness before defeating Klizan 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) before a raucous Mexican crowd.

The 29-year-old Serbian started slowly and was forced to save two break points in the third game of the first set before hanging on for a 2-1 lead.

Djokovic had to save a further break point in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead but then swiftly punished world No 62 Klizan with a break to go 4-2 up. The contest then went with serve as Djokovic claimed the opening set.

Agencies