The tennis contract of Emil Ruusuvuoren and Anett Kontaveit in the opening round of the Wimbledon mixed doubles. For the former number two player in the women’s singles world ranking, the match was the last of her career.
German-Chinese Kevin Krawietz – Zhaoxuan Yang was in the first round of mixed doubles Emil Ruusuvuorta and Estonia Anett Kontaveitia better with 6–3, 6–4. The match lasted about an hour.
For Kontaveit, 27, the former number two player in the women’s singles world rankings, the match was the last of her professional career. He had to end his career due to a back problem. Kontaveit came second on the list only a year ago on June 6, 2022.
Ruusuvuori explained to how the surprising participation in the mixed doubles was organized at Wimbledon.
– We asked the organizer for a wild card when our own rankings did not have anything to do with mixed doubles. Neither of us thought we’d even get it when they usually support British couples here. Got it though.
Kontaveiti ended her singles matches yesterday Thursday and today she finally wrapped up her successful tennis career.
– He has an incredible career! A really nice and kind hearted person. I wish him all the best. Now begins life outside of tennis. He seems happy with his decision, which is certainly the right one. The decision must be respected, said Ruusuvuori.
Kontaveit shed quite a few tears on Thursday after ending her singles career in the second round. In his professional career that lasted less than ten years, he earned more than seven million euros in prize money.
– I believe that yesterday he had a bigger outburst when the singles ended. Now, the program included such an after-the-fact cooling. However, a bad match is always a bad match. I don’t think he will come back again, the Finn thinks.
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The mixed doubles was Ruusuvuori’s first at grand slam level and on grass. Is this expected to continue?
– We’ll see. It took a few games for me to get used to the patterns and play to my full potential. It was a bit strange to hit a woman during the first “games”. It was a lot of fun and overall a pretty relaxed atmosphere. Let’s see what the future brings, Ruusuvuori was spinning.
The Finnish tennis star has known Anett Kontaveit, who is three years older, through a common sponsor.
– That’s why this joint case was made. This was a bit of his wish. It was nice to give something back when he has been such a big support since my junior years, Ruusuvuori thanked.