Two Tennis Players Retire in May 2026
As the 2026 tennis season approaches its halfway point, two notable players have officially announced their retirement from the sport. This month, we take a closer look at the athletes who have decided to hang up their rackets after making their final appearances on the court.
Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Bernabe Zapata Miralles, a Spanish player, retired at the age of 29 following his participation in the Valencia Challenger tournament, which was held in his hometown. During this event, he lost in the first round to Adolfo Daniel Vallejo. This match marked only his second appearance since he first announced his decision to retire back in December.
Few anticipated this move, especially considering Zapata Miralles’ reputation as one of the most dedicated and hardworking players on the tour. However, his decision to step away from professional tennis was influenced by significant challenges with his mental health and a noticeable decline in performance.
In an emotional Instagram post, Zapata Miralles expressed his reluctance to make the necessary sacrifices to return to the top tier of competition. Throughout his career, he achieved a career-high ranking of No. 37 and secured four ATP Challenger titles on clay. His most memorable Grand Slam moment came in 2022 when he reached the fourth round of the French Open as a qualifier, defeating Taylor Fritz in a stunning upset. Over the course of his career, Zapata Miralles earned nearly $3 million in prize money.
Tereza Mrdeza
Croatian WTA player Tereza Mrdeza officially ended her professional tennis career after a qualifying loss at the 2026 French Open. She had previously lost in the Australian Open qualifying earlier in the year. Since 2023, Mrdeza had been largely inactive and entered the qualifying rounds of both Grand Slam tournaments this season using a protected ranking.
At 35 years old, Mrdeza reached a career-high ranking of No. 150 and claimed eight ITF titles throughout her career. Her only Grand Slam main draw appearance came at the 2015 US Open, where she was eliminated in the first round. Despite not achieving major success on the big stage, Mrdeza accumulated over $500,000 in career earnings.
Key Takeaways
- Bernabe Zapata Miralles:
- Retired at 29 after a tough season marked by mental health struggles.
- Achieved a career-high ranking of No. 37.
- Won four ATP Challenger titles on clay.
- Notable achievement: Defeated Taylor Fritz at the 2022 French Open as a qualifier.
Earned nearly $3 million in prize money.
Tereza Mrdeza:
- Retired after a qualifying loss at the 2026 French Open.
- Reached a career-high ranking of No. 150.
- Won eight ITF titles during her career.
- Qualified for her only Grand Slam main draw at the 2015 US Open.
- Earned over $500,000 in prize money.
