Ashley Fisher, Aussie doubles tennis ace, retires from professional circuit – Tennis News
Australian tennis ace, Ashley Fisher, retires from professional tennis after his first round exit at the China Open in Beijing this month. He was a double specialist and Former World No.19 in doubles tennis. New South Wales born Fisher started playing tennis at the age of five. Recently he was coached by Glenn Irwin in St Petersburg.
36-year-old veteran announced his retirement on Monday October 17th. He has not played any major singles match on any ATP tour but has been a majestic performer in doubles. He won 27 doubles title in total but 23 of them has been in minor leagues like Challengers and Futures tournaments. The rest of the four titles came after he turned pro in 1998.
Fisher won his first title in 2003 when he paired up with an American, Devin Bowen, in an outdoor Amersfoort tournament; the pair defeated Chris Haggard and André Sá in straight sets 6-4, 6-0. Second title came in the year 2006; he paired with an American Tripp Phillips and won the Tokyo Open. Pairing with South African Rik de Voest, Fisher clinched his third career title in Beijing in 2007. His final title win came in the year 2008 when he won the Indianapolis event partnering Tripp Philips. Fisher is proud of his last title victory in 2008 Indianapolis and will remember that triumph for the rest of his life
Currently ranked at 96 in ATP doubles ranking, Fisher talked about his retirement decision in these words “I had planned on 2011 being my final year playing but it was when I was in Asia skyping with my eight week old son and being away for two weeks that made me decide to stop and start spending time with my wife and son”.
Injury was also a factor in the retirement decision. Australian was playing fine at clay and grass but US Open 2011 hard court took toll on his knee. He thought that he will do long term damage to his knee by playing tennis. He was frustrated at his recent performances because knee was not allowing him to put up his best displays and he was disappointed at that too.
Australian praised his partners and players whom he learnt a lot in these words “I tried to learn from guys like Kevin Ullyett and Leander Paes. Players that didn't have a lot of fire power but they beat you with brains and consistency. Partners like Devin Bowen and Stephen Huss also taught me a lot and had a huge influence on my game and self belief”.
Fisher’s favourite memory is the match against Bryan Brothers, semi-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open, in 2009. He said “Without a doubt, it was the best match of my career and I still get goose bumps when I picture the match point”.
Tags: