swedesrule
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Jonas Bjorkman Retires
This is not unexpected for me, but its still sad that its now "official" 
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ATP PLAYER NEWS
June 23, 2008
Former World No. 4 Bjorkman to Retire This Season
Jonas Bjorkman today announced that, at the age of 36, he is to retire from the ATP circuit this season.
The popular Swede will contest Wimbledon for the final time, beginning against Arnaud Clement in the singles first round on Tuesday, and also hopes to compete in the Olympic Games in Beijing, with his final schedule not yet determined.
Bjorkman has enjoyed a glittering career in both singles and doubles. On November 3, 1997 he reached a career high of No. 4 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, that same year winning three ATP titles, including the Stockholm title (d. Siemerink) in front of his home crowd, which he cites as one of his greatest memories.
Bjorkman’s career has spanned 17 years and some of his finest moments have come in recent years. At the age of 34, the right-hander reached the 2006 Wimbledon semifinals, where he fell to World No. 1 Roger Federer, who went on to claim his fourth title at the All England Club.
In doubles, Bjorkman has enjoyed huge success, highlighted by reaching the No. 1 spot in the Stanford ATP Doubles Rankings on July, 9 2001 and capturing nine Grand Slam doubles titles, including three successive titles at Wimbledon (2002-04 w/Woodbridge), where he will partner Kevin Ullyett in his final appearance this season.
Jonas Bjorkman (l) and Todd Woodbridge, 2003 Wimbledon Doubles ChampionsAs Sweden’s longest serving Davis Cup representative, Bjorkman had the honor of winning the coveted title three times in 1994 against Russia, in 1997 against the USA and in 1998, defeating Italy in the final.
On announcing his retirement, Bjorkman had the following message for tennis fans worldwide:
Dear Tennis Friend,
I’ve been reflecting on my professional career and I have decided that this will be my last Wimbledon. At the age of 36 I now feel it is time to begin the next chapter of my life, being at home with my family and pursuing other interests.
I am very proud with what I have achieved as a professional tennis player, and I want to express a very warm and special “thank you” to all of you that have supported me through the years, all of you that I have been working with, and all of you that have contributed in making my dreams come true.
Winning Davis Cup, reaching number 4 in the world in singles, number 1 in doubles, earning nine career Grand Slam doubles titles, playing the Jonas Bjorkman (l), 1997 Davis Cup Champion with SwedenWimbledon semi final at the age of 34, and, last but not least, winning the Stockholm Open in front of my home crowd are just some of my finest memories.
I have been blessed with a long and successful career and I look forward to another great experience here at Wimbledon, for my last time as a competitor. I also look forward to the rest of my 2008 season, which hopefully will include the Olympic Games in Beijing. It would be the most incredible way to finish my career if I could win a medal for Sweden.
It has been a fantastic journey starting with my first satellites in 1990 and my debut on the ATP Tour in 1993, a journey that has given me unforgettable moments, great victories, amazing experiences, so much knowledge and wonderful friendships on and off the court. I will treasure this all my life.
It is with great joy that I look forward to the next phase of my life, including packing my children’s school bags rather than my own tennis bags…
All the best,
Jonas Bjorkman
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25/Jun/08, 0:24
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dbc
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Re: Jonas Bjorkman Retires
I heard this while watching some of his Wimbledon doubles matches on TV.
He did really well to get to the final, beating the Bryans on the way, but unfortunately he didn't manage to go out in triumph with the title.
swedes rule, hope you managed to see some of those matches, as they were playing some v. entertaining tennis.
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7/Jul/08, 10:17
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Marcia5
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Re: Jonas Bjorkman Retires
He has always seemed like such a nice guy as well as a great player, especially in doubles. Best wishes to him for the next phase of his life.
I'm sure there will be more Swedes to emerge in the future!
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9/Jul/08, 8:54
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swedesrule
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Re: Jonas Bjorkman Retires
I wish I had seen some of the Wimbledon matches, but I just don't seem to be able to stay up all night for tennis anymore and still go to work the next day. I seriously dont know how i used to do that!!
Was really proud of jonas getting to the final though - he's a great person and his family are wonderful too.
Soderling is my last hope for swedish tennis now - there's not really any young emerging ones - Magnus has started up a tennis program in sweden to try to bring out some unknown talent but apparently thats not going so well 
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9/Jul/08, 10:10
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swedesrule
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Re: Jonas Bjorkman Retires
Bjorkman Retires After 17-Year Career
Jonas Bjorkman
© Getty Images
Jonas Bjorkman retired from professional tennis after the popular Swede and his Zimbabwean partner Kevin Ullyett failed to qualify for the Tennis Masters Cup semifinals on Friday. The pair lost to Polish duo Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski 6-2, 1-6, 10-6 in their final Gold Group match.
"We were hoping to maybe get through [to the semifinals]," said Bjorkman. "I still think it's great to end my career in the biggest event of the year. But you can't get everything. I've been mentally prepared for this because I'm mentally very ready to retire.
"I've been very fortunate to be able to play for so long. It started as my hobby, and I've been able to do it for 17 years, which is great. I'm really looking forward for the next step in life."
The Swede ends his career with a 414-362 win-loss record for singles and a 709-306 record in doubles. All up, he played 1,791 matches in his career and earned more than $14.5 million.
Bjorkman enjoyed a glittering career in both singles and doubles. On November 3, 1997 he reached a career high of No. 4 in the South African Airways ATP Rankings, that same year winning three ATP titles, including the Stockholm title (d. Siemerink) in front of his home crowd, which he cites as one of his greatest memories.
Bjorkman’s career has spanned 17 years and some of his finest moments have come in recent years. At the age of 34, the right-hander reached the 2006 Wimbledon semifinals, where he fell to World No. 1 Roger Federer, who went on to claim his fourth title at the All England Club.
"I think definitely the locker room will be something that will miss because it's very unique," explained the Monte-Carlo resident. "You're all in a way enemies and everyone wants to win, but you can still sit next to each other preparing for a game. I think everyone treats each other with great respect. It's also a lot of fun to be around everyone. To listen to all the trash talk in the locker rooms will be something that I will miss."
In doubles Bjorkman has enjoyed huge success, highlighted by reaching the No. 1 spot in the Stanford ATP Doubles Rankings on July 9, 2001 and capturing nine Grand Slam doubles titles, including three successive titles at Wimbledon (2002-04 w/Woodbridge).
As Sweden's longest serving Davis Cup representative, Bjorkman had the honor of winning the coveted title three times in 1994 against Russia, in 1997 against the USA and in 1998, defeating Italy in the final.
"I think Davis Cup weeks are probably one of the best weeks during the year," said Bjorkman. "The whole camaraderie is something that I definitely will miss. But hopefully I'll come as a spectator to watch and maybe be part of it a little bit.
"I would probably say winning the Davis Cup was something that was huge to be part of. [I was] very proud to be representing my country.
"To win the Stockholm Open, to win at home, is always something that you dream about. You know, winning Wimbledon, the doubles titles with Todd Woodbridge. It's the most prestigious tournament you can play, to be part of. To win that is something that I will remember well."
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15/Nov/08, 9:59
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