Breaking News: Former World No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov Reflects on Early Retirement at 29: ‘I Lost Interest
Yevgeny Kafelnikov, the former World No. 1 tennis player, made headlines recently as he reflected on his early retirement from the sport at the age of 29. Kafelnikov, who reached the pinnacle of the ATP rankings in May 1999, became the first Russian to achieve this feat. His career, marked by significant achievements including two Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal, was abruptly cut short amid personal struggles and controversies.
### Early Career and Achievements
– Kafelnikov turned professional in 1992 and quickly made a name for himself, breaking into the ATP Top 100 by the age of 20.
– He won the French Open in 1996, becoming the first Russian to claim a Grand Slam title, and followed it up with an Australian Open victory in 1999.
– His career also included a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and multiple titles in doubles, solidifying his status as a top player of his era.
### Retirement and Controversy
Despite his success, Kafelnikov’s career was marred by personal issues, including struggles with alcohol. He began withdrawing from tournaments due to injuries and a decline in form. In January 2004, he quietly stepped away from professional tennis without a formal announcement, a decision influenced by his inability to maintain competitive standards and a growing disinterest in the sport. He later stated, “I lost interest” in tennis, highlighting a shift in his priorities and passions
