Austrian Sybille Bammer retires; takes last bow on court – Tennis News
A former Austrian number one, Sybille Bammer’s played the last match of her career at NURNBERGER Gastein Ladies 2011, an International level WTA tournament held on the clay courts in her home soil, on the 14th of July,
2011. She won her opening round match here but was ousted against her compatriot, Yvonne Meusburger in straight sets in the second round.
Wimbledon was initially the final tournament the Austrian was supposed to play but she couldn’t resist her tennis passion and entered this WTA event – held in Bad Gastein, after getting a main draw spot.
"Originally Wimbledon was my last tournament. I didn't think I'd play anymore," said Bammer, who turned 31 earlier this year. "But I got into Bad Gastein at the last minute and thought, 'Okay, I like tennis, so I'll play one more!'"
A former world number nineteen, Bammer stunned sixth seeded Romanian Simona Halep in her opening round match. She not only advanced to the second round after earning this surprise victory but also snapped out from her four match
losing streak.
The Austrian super star displayed exceptional skills as she bounced from a set down to win by a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(6) score line against Halep. She saved only two out of eight breakpoints faced but re-created her magic of her 2007 performance
by converting six out of thirteen breakpoint opportunities to her advantage to earn this remarkable victory at the last tournament of her life. Bammer clobbered a higher first serve share of 83 percent as compared to Halep’s 52 percent and registered a plausible
59 percent win on it. She also committed fewer double faults and unforced errors and outclassed the seeded Romanian completely throughout the match.
31-year-old Bammer displayed dismal performance against her countrywoman, Yvonne Meusburger, in the second round or her last career match. Despite clobbering a lower first serve share of 71 percent as opposed to her rival’s 81
percent and committing fewer double faults and unforced errors, the Austrian saved only two out of seven breakpoints faced. On the other hand, she founded only three breakpoint chances and cashed in on one to her advantage.
"I think she's a great person. She did an unbelievable job her whole career," Meusburger said of Bammer. "She was so successful and I'm very proud we had a No.1 like Sybille. I wish her all the best and I hope she has a great life
after tennis."
The Linz native, who won two WTA titles in her career, had thought about retiring before. After getting shoulder injury in 2009, she decided to retire as she faced many problems. Bammer finally made up her mind after getting sick
right after Miami event as she couldn’t practice for weeks. When the Austrian returned on court after recovering, she couldn’t play her best and implemented retirement decision in this event.
Bammer is now eyeing to spend more time at home and take some rest. After this, she is aiming to play some team matches and later to become a coach.
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