September 2026 marked the retirement of five professional tennis players, including two former World No. 1s, following the conclusion of the final Grand Slam of the season.
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Kathinka von Deichmann announced her retirement via Instagram. The 32-year-old made history as the first player from Liechtenstein to compete in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, reaching the singles draw at the 2018 US Open. She achieved a career-high ranking of No. 153 and played her last Tour-level event in Hamburg in late July.
Alicia Barnett, a British WTA player, retired less than two months after her appearance at the Prague Open doubles tournament. Barnett, who gained attention for defeating Venus Williams and Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles at the 2022 Wimbledon, plans to transition into coaching. She will serve as a performance tennis coach at Team Bath Tennis, supporting young players at the University of Bath’s Regional Player Development Centre.
Joe Salisbury, a former doubles World No. 1, announced his retirement a week after reaching the men’s doubles semifinals at the US Open. Over his career, Salisbury secured 17 Tour-level doubles titles, including four Grand Slams in men’s doubles and two Major titles in mixed doubles. He won the ATP Finals trophy in collaboration with Rajeev Ram in 2022 and 2023.
Rajeev Ram also announced his retirement, coinciding with Salisbury’s decision. The American player won three consecutive US Open doubles titles alongside Salisbury, and he too was ranked World No. 1 in men’s doubles, with a total of 32 titles in that category.
Darija Jurak, a Croatian veteran at age 42, retired following the 2026 US Open, where she played her final tournament in women’s doubles with compatriot Antonia Ruzic. They exited the tournament in the first round. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) officially recorded Jurak’s retirement in September.