Not a worldwide headline but anyhow;

After 2,5 years dealing with back and achilles injuries Sjeng finally cuts the rope and end his tennis career at the age of 30. :(
He spend years within the top 15, played 1 US open Semi and 3 Wimbledon quarter finals (the last one in 2003 where he lost to Fed he was standing at the cradle of the total "Fed dominance").
He was also part of a famous Wimbledon match against Philiphousis. Sjeng lost (third round) in 5 sets, the fifth set went to 20-18 and the spectacle lasted for 5 hours and 5 minutes.

Not a WW headline but you are right to point it out Greasepipe.

Thanks to Schalken for contributing to raising the level of tennis like all his professional players do over the years. Every single player brings his/her own contribution to this game and makes it harder for the future generation to distinguish themselves amongst their peers, providing us at the end with an amazing display of physical and technical skills.

Best of luck for the second part of his life.

As a paid up member of the one-handed backhand club,I always admired that shot of Sjeng's.
He really got through the ball,beautiful technique on that wing.

thnx for the contribution guys, i knew connoisseurs like you would show up :)

:( it's a shame to see him go but the injury problems show that it's the right time, farewell to Sjeng and all the best of luck for the next stage of his life :cheers: :hug: