A tribute to the German legend Rainer Schuettler – Tennis Special
Former world number five, Rainer Schuettler from Germany, announced his retirement from professional tennis. He enjoyed an amazing 17-year professional career on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour and has had wonderful experiences.
The German veteran enjoyed a successful career on the ATP tour. With his coach and advisor Dirk Hordorff, the German enjoyed great success in tennis. He reached his career high ranking at number five in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings in
April 2004. His career spotlight includes final showdown at the Australian Open in 2003 (bowed out to Andre Agassi in final round).The German conquered Andy Roddick, who finished number one in the end of the year, en route to the title-round of this first
Grand Slam event of the season. Schuettler also made semi-final berths at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in 2003 and the Wimbledon Championships four years ago.
In an interview to the ATP World Tour website, Schuettler praised his coach Hordoff and credited him for his success.
"Overall I am very happy. I did everything you can imagine. I had a lot of success and also some tough losses. I was very lucky to have Dirk Hordorff, a great adviser and coach, by my side. He guided me throughout my career... I had a great career, a great
time.”
The 36-year-old has grabbed four singles and four doubles ATP titles in his career. Mustering his achievements further, the German captured a silver medal in the doubles event at Athens Olympics 2004 and made his nation proud.
Brad Drewett, ATP Executive Chairman and President praised the German star by stating:
"My congratulations go to Rainer on a remarkable 17-year career in professional tennis... I would like to thank him for his time serving as President of the ATP Player Council from 2003-2004. Always well respected by his peers, Rainer will be missed on the
Tour."
Rainer started this season’s campaign standing at world number 132 in the ATP World Tour Rankings. He battled past Belgium’s Maxime Authom in a three-set thriller in his opening qualifying match at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in January. The German marinated
consistency in his following match and dumped the Croatian contender, Antonio Veic, in straight sets. However, Schuettler was underplayed in the final qualifying round against his compatriot, Denis Gremelmayr, and exited from the tournament with disappointment.
He then high-spiritedly entered the qualifying competition of Australian Open and overpowered the local challenger, Chris Guccione, in two sets’ tie-breaker to advance. In the following set, Schuettler lost the opening set but made a spectacular reply, pulling
out the equaliser with a bagel. However, he was underplayed in the deciding set and eventually headed towards the exit doors.
After this match, the German icon suffered a groin injury which ruled him out from playing tennis until he announced his retirement this month. Despite a poor recent form, Schuettler’s performance and achievement will be always praised by his nation and
rest of world.
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