Dementieva retires

The Russian lost in straight sets to Francesca Schiavone, 6-4 6-2, in her final round-robin match at the Khalifa Tennis Complex and, having failed to qualify for the semi-finals, her tournament was over.

Dementieva shocked everyone by promptly announcing her retirement at the end of the match, and seized the microphone as her WTA Tour rivals gathered on court to provide their support.

The 29-year-old, who won 16 Tour titles, a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games and was runner-up in two Grand Slams, made a touching speech on court as her mother and several players at the end-of-year tournament wiped away tears.

"I would like to thank all the people around the world for supporting me," Dementieva said. "I'm so emotional and it's so hard to say goodbye."

Her compatriot Vera Zvonareva took the microphone and thanked Dementieva for her contribution to sport back home.

"Russia is proud of you," said Zvonareva.

"You have done so much not only for Russian tennis but for sport in Russia. You have been an inspiration, a role model for kids growing up."

Dementieva was making her 10th appearance at the prestigious tournament and won more than $14 million (£8.7m) in prize money during her time on the tour.

Chairman of the WTA Tour Stacey Allaster said: "Elena has been a champion and consummate professional on and off the court throughout her career.

"She has also been a catalyst for the growth of the sport in Russia and around the world.  We will miss her and wish her the best of luck."

Dementieva turned professional in 1998 and won her first WTA event at Amelia Island in 2003. She won 576 of her 849 matches, capturing 16 WTA titles, including two this year, at the Medibank International in Sydney and the Paris Open. 

One of the most consistent players in the history of the sport, the Russian competed in 46 consecutive Grand Slams, only missing this year's Wimbledon after a calf injury forced her to withdraw.

Dementieva also became the first player from Russia ever to reach the semi-finals of the US Open in 2000 and was part of the first all-Russian Grand Slam final at Roland Garros in 2004, losing to Anastasia Myskina. 

The 29-year-old has been ranked inside the world's top 20 for almost eight successive seasons (since April 21, 2003), reaching a career-high of number three in April 2009. She also achieved a top-five ranking in doubles in April 2003.