Injury forces Johansson to quit

Former world number nine Joachim Johansson has announced his retirement from professional tennis because of a persistent shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old Swede won three ATP Tour singles titles and reached the semi-finals of the 2004 US Open.

But he has had three operations since 2005 and has been told further surgery will not solve his shoulder problems.

"I can practice and play an individual tournament but after that my shoulder gets overworked," Johansson explained.

"That forces me to rest for a longer period of time and, taking that into account, it's hard for me to reach my objectives.

"For that reason it makes it impossible for me to continue my challenge."

His ranking had slid to 738 in the world by the time he decided to quit but the big-serving Johansson was once among the brightest prospects in world tennis.

On his way to the last four at Flushing Meadow in 2004 he beat defending champion Andy Roddick, and he also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon that year, and at the Australian Open in 2005.

"This is a decision that has developed during the last month," Johansson stated. "Now I'll set myself new goals but whatever happens I'll always continue to play tennis."

i can't believe it, a great talent snuffed out before it really had a chance to flourish. poor pim-pim. i'll miss you mate.

Nooooooooo :(

Pity really. He had potential. Well, wish him well in whatever he choses to do now.

Oh no! I liked him and was hoping he'd come back :( I remeber that very exciting 2nd round clash at Wimby a few years back with Rusedski, it was all big serves and volleys but loved it, and the drama. It's the one where Greg said w*nker I think! :lol: Shame as the game need more serve and volley.

Andyway good luck to him :ok: and a shame.

hmmm. I've never heard of him. Sorry to hear this news. :(

Its very sad, he was a huge hitter .I remember Agassi beating him in a long match at the AO in 2005 I think , he served 40-50 aces but it was the ageing Agassi who had too much guile that day.Yet more proof of how physically demanding the game has become .

:( :( :(

Not one of my favs, but it always seems very sad to me when any player has to quit due to injury, and not because of either age or having achieved all they want in the game. I was sorry to read of it.