“Thank you to everyone who has been on this ride with me!!” – Steve Johnson announces retirement from tennis

American tennis player Steve Johnson announced his retirement from the sport after losing in the first round of qualifying at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells on Monday. 

Johnson will return later in the week to complete in the men’s doubles draw with countryman Tommy Paul as a wild card entrant.

It was a dramatic end to his singles career as Johnson let go of seven matchpoints before going down to Emilio Nava 6-7(6), 7-6(10), 6-4 and then walking off the court in tears wife Kendall and daughters, Emma and Molly, by his side.

Johnson peaked at No 21 in the world singles rankings and won a Bronze medal in Mixed Doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

He also won four ATP singles titles and two ATP doubles titles in his career and reached the US Open men’s doubles semi-finals on two occasions.

A great guy to have around on the tour for a long time and a top competitor!! Shocking moustache.

Andy Murray on Steve Johnson

Former world No 1 Andy Murray and former top 5 player James Blake posted congratulatory messages for Johnson on social media.

Murray, in his customary humourous tone, tweeted, “All the best with whatever is next Stevie. Excellent career. A great guy to have around on the tour for a long time and a top competitor!! Shocking moustache.”

Blake, ow the Tournament Director in Miami, tweeted, “A true winner. Your genuine nature and the way you handled turmoil off the court make me admire you. Congratulations on the career and good luck in the next chapter with your incredible family.”