Most athletes often don’t want to retire. The easy answer is when they are ready!  However, I like the challenge of providing the difficult answer.  An answer that is based on multiple factors and one that can be applicable to most athletes. 

8 Clues It’s Time to Retire

• The passion for the game is gone
• Your losses far outnumber your wins
• Injury or injuries have become a recurrent theme
• There is constant pain whether playing or not playing
• Playing tarnishes your legacy
• Your best effort is no longer possible
• When age limits your ability no matter how hard you try
• When the love of the game is no longer a valid reason

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Playing Tennis Is Their Job

It’s quite understandable really. For most tennis players, they are getting paid to do something they are passionate about. However, when all is said and done tennis is their job. Playing tennis is how they make a living and pay their bills. Nevertheless, many of the top tennis players no longer need to play tennis. Most of the top players have made more money than they will ever spend in their lifetime. Why then do they insist on playing when all the evidence is screaming that it is time to walk away gracefully? “Love of the game”.

Tennis Is The Only Thing They Know

Perhaps it’s the only thing they know. While that may be true for many players, most of the top players have a variety of interests. Thus, this is often not a valid reason for many. Could it truly be for the love of the game? It could be. Has their identity and worth become so meshed with the sport, they are afraid to retire? Again, I doubt that for most players. So, what is the answer. Truly, they may not even know themselves. Why do someone hang around in a bad relationship? Often it is a fear of letting go and a fear of change.

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Players Often Retire On Their Own Terms

Pete Sampras won his last major and walked away. Sometimes, you set the terms and can’t live up to them. You are holding on because there is one more goal you want to accomplish. However, when do you accept the reality that the goal is no longer a possibility? When do you accept gracefully that you are no longer capable and that lingering is actually a threat to your health? Are you potentially risking more injury to your body because of your ego and pride? I hope not; however, I have been following this sport long enough to know some players have hung on too long.

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