Mount Pleasant native Shelby Rogers shares plan to retire after US Open

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Shelby Rogers announced Friday that next week’s US Open tennis tournament will be her last.

In an Aug. 23 social media post, the Mount Pleasant native said she plans to retire, ending a 15-year career in women’s professional tennis.

“This moment comes for every athlete, and as I reflect on my career, I am beyond grateful for the memories, support, lessons, and love over the years,” she wrote. “Thank you to each any every one of you that has been a part of my journey, and to the fans that made all of these matches so magical.”

Rogers, who will turn 32 in October, said her body has been “pushed to its limit” after a string of injuries and surgeries in recent years.

“I always said that if my heart loves it and my body is healthy, I would play this sport forever,” she wrote. “But now my body is telling me it’s time.”

Rogers began playing tennis early, making her professional debut on the ITF Circuit in 2009 at the age of 16. She recorded her first win on the WTA Tour at the 2013 Internationaux de Strasbourg and would go on to reach 3 more WTA finals throughout her career.

Her most notable performances came at the 2016 French Open and the 2020 U.S. Open where she reached the quarterfinals. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 30 in the world in August 2022.

Reflecting on her career, Rogers said she hopes to inspire the next generation of tennis players.

“My heart will always love this sport, and I hope I can pass along some inspiration to the next generation of players to dream big and keep growing the beautiful game of tennis,” she wrote, adding that she “very much looking forward” to this next chapter.

Rogers is slated to face fellow American Jessica Pegula in the first round of the US Open, which begins Monday, Aug. 26.