German great Haas retires from ATP Tour

INDIAN WELLS : Former world number two Tommy Haas ( pic), who won 15 singles titles throughout his career, has announced his retirement from the ATP Tour.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades,” Haas, 39, said during the Indian Wells Masters tournament in front of an appreciative crowd that included retired tennis greats Rod Laver and Pete Sampras.

“The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories.”

“To my parents, family, wife and children, thank you for all the love and support that you gave me over the years. And, to the fans, thank you for cheering me on throughout my career.”

Haas, who is the tournament director of the Indian Wells Masters tournament which is being played in southern California this week, made the announcement during Thursday’s evening session.

Haas reached a careerhigh number two ranking in 2002, and finished eight seasons ranked in the top 20.

His most recent singles titles came in 2013 when he won in Vienna and Munich.

Haas, who turned professional in 1996, reached the Australian Open semifinals three times – in 1999, 2002 and 2007 – as well as the lastfour at Wimbledon in 2009.