Serena To Not Play Again in 2006 (Or Ever)?

Off The Baseline and other media sources are reporting that Serena Williams will soon report that she will not be playing tennis again in 2006. The 8-time Grand Slam winner has been the subject of recent high-profile scrutiny by all-time greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, among others. With a current WTA Tour ranking of #106 and a slow recovery from a left knee injury causing her to withdraw from several consecutive tournaments including an upcoming Fed Cup tie versus Germany, this news can not be considered a complete surprise.

It is, however, very sad news for tennis fans everywhere, particularly African American tennis fans. Serena Williams is 24 years old (birthdate: 09.26.1981) and the holder of 26 WTA Tour singles titles. In light of Martina Hingis' amazing return after a near 3-year hiatus following a "retirement" from the WTA Tour in 2003, we can only hope that Serena can return to form in 2007.