Florida's Monica Seles, who was targeting the Sony Ericsson Open in
Miami as a return to the game next month, instead today announced
her official retirement instead.

"Tennis has been and will always be a huge part of my life," said
Seles in a statement from Miami. "I have for some time considered a
return to professional play, but I have now decided not to pursue
that. I will continue to play exhibitions, participate in charity
events, promote the sport, but will no longer plan my schedule
around the tour. I look forward to pursuing other opportunities with
the same passion and energy that fueled my dedication to tennis and
to devote more time to two of my passions -- children and animals. I
especially want to thank all my wonderful, loyal fans for all of
their support for me over the years. They have inspired me
throughout my career in the good times and comforted me in the bad
times. I have always been so proud to have such a special group of
precious fans to call my very own and felt they were the best an
athlete could ever hope to have. I will miss them all as much as I
will miss competing in the game of tennis."

Seles last played a tour event in 2003 and has been dogged by a foot
injury since.

The 34-year-old Seles won nine Grand Slam titles and overall 53
singles and six doubles trophies. She first became No. 1 in March
1991, and remained No. 1 until 1993 when she was stabbed during a
match in Hamburg, Germany, by a fan of Steffi Graf. She returned to
the tour a little over two year later as a fan favorite again,
winning the 1996 Australian Open.

"Monica Seles is one of the great champions in the history of the
Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, and an inspiration and role model for
millions of fans throughout the world," said WTA Tour CEO Larry
Scott. "No one will ever forget the fierce determination and will to
win that Monica brought to the court, nor the caring and warm person
that she has always been off the court. No doubt, Monica will soon
find her rightful place at the International Tennis Hall of Fame for
her many accomplishments on the tennis court."