Caroline Garcia's career has come to an end at the US Open after the 2022 WTA Finals champion suffered a 4-6 6-4 3-6 loss to Kamilla Rakhimova in the first round.
The Frenchwoman, who announced her decision to retire from pro tennis at some point in 2025 just before the French Open, received a main draw wildcard for the US Open.
In the first set, Garcia saved two consecutive set points while 3-5 down to reduce the deficit to 4-5, but then failed to serve out for 5-5 and lost the opener. After dropping the first set, the former world No. 4 earned the lone break of the second set in the first game and then held on to her serve for the rest of the set to force a decider. After taking the second set, the Frenchwoman failed to continue with the same intensity as she lost the opening three games of the third set and never recovered from an early break.
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Garcia's message after losing in the US Open first round
Moments after her loss, Garcia confirmed that it was indeed the last pro match of her tennis career.
Thank you so much for everyone for being here for my last match. It means a lot All the support. Thank you to USTA for giving me a little something. Its very special, obviously. Tennis brought me so much. Some great emotions, some tough ones. It shaped me to become the person I am today. I grew a lot. Especially the last years," the former world No. 4 said.
"Im very at peace with my decision to say goodbye to tennis at competition level... Suffering over there, I cannot handle it anymore. Its too much. I love the game. Im very proud to be able to say that. 12 months ago that wasnt the case anymore. So Im very proud of this last season and leaving it the way I do and with my career."
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During her career, Garcia won a total of 11 titles, with the biggest one being the 2022 WTA Finals title. When it comes to her Grand Slam success, her best result came at the 2022 US Open, when she made the semifinal.
