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Zarina Diyas has retired from tennis at 32, closing a 19-year career marked by resilience and international representation.
Zarina Diyas has announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis, drawing tributes from across the sport, including Venus Williams.
The 32-year-old, who reached a career-high ranking of world No.31, confirmed the decision over the weekend after her most recent appearance at the Australian Open in January.
That event marked her first grand slam main draw in four years, following a successful qualifying run.
Diyas said she was closing one of the most important chapters of her life, describing her career as an incredible journey from her childhood in Almaty to competing on the sport's biggest stages.
She noted that fulfilling her dream of winning titles, reaching the top 30 and representing Kazakhstan at the Olympics remained a source of pride.
She also reflected on the challenges and rewards of her career, acknowledging difficult periods but emphasising the resilience tennis had taught her.
Diyas credited her supporters, including fans, family, coaches and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, for helping shape her journey and sustaining her through it.
Her professional record includes one WTA Tour title and 12 ITF titles, alongside 359 match wins across a 19-year career. At grand slam level, her best performances came at Wimbledon, where she reached the fourth round in 2014 and 2015.
Diyas also represented Kazakhstan in the Olympics and Fed Cup, building a consistent presence on the international stage. She was formally farewelled at a local tournament in Kazakhstan following her announcement.
Williams, who split two career meetings with Diyas, described her as an inspiration and noted she would be missed on court. Fellow players including Daria Saville, Priscilla Hon, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Elena Vesnina also paid tribute.
Diyas indicated she would leave the sport feeling proud and grateful, while signalling the beginning of a new chapter away from professional competition.