British doubles player and Fed Cup star Jocelyn Rae has taken the decision to retire from her professional career in tennis.
After 19 years competing in the sport, Rae will now focus her time on coaching, charity work, and building on her existing media profile, as she hopes to inspire future generations to play and share her passion for tennis.
Rae has made 17 appearances for Great Britain at Fed Cup but is now looking forward to spending more time at home with family and exploring other exciting career opportunities.
Commenting on her decision, Rae said: “I’m incredibly lucky to have played tennis across the world and experienced so much through the sport. The sport has given me many opportunities and I have met the most incredible people along the way.
“Being on the tour can be a gruelling place, but I feel that now is the right time for me to take a step back and spend more time at home with my friends and family and I’m really looking forward to it.
“There’s no doubt that the wear and tear on the body has played a part in this decision, but I'm excited for the next chapter in my tennis career, and I'm already enjoying giving back to the sport that has given me so much.”
Great Britain’s Fed Cup Captain and former British No.1 Anne Keothavong paid tribute to the 26-year-old, who hails from Arnold, near Nottingham.
“I am delighted for Joss that she is embarking on this exciting new stage in her career,” Keothavong said. “I have been so lucky to play alongside Joss in Fed Cup and more recently captain her too.
“She is a joy to be around and is an incredible team player, we will miss her on the team. Her positivity and commitment will see her successful in whatever she chooses to do next.”
Rae, who has played in all four Grand Slams and reached a career high of World No. 67 in February 2016, first picked up a racket when she was seven years old, growing up around the sport as both of her Scottish parents played.
Following a successful junior career, Rae went on to win the gold medal for Scotland in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi partnering in the mixed doubles with Colin Fleming.
Since then, Rae has been a core member of Great Britain’s Fed Cup Team, with her first call-up in 2011 and has played with fellow Brits Heather Watson, Laura Robson, and long-term doubles partner Anna Smith.
Taking a step back from the professional game with 23 doubles titles under her belt, Rae will certainly retire on a high. This year alone, Rae reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, making her debut on Centre Court and Court 1, before going on to win the women’s doubles title at the Odlum Brown VanOpen in August, her final tournament.
Looking back on those that have supported her, Rae added: “All of the coaches I’ve had throughout my journey have been incredible and the fans! I’m so appreciative to everyone who has shown me such amazing support over the years.
“My family have also sacrificed a lot for my career and I will be forever grateful to them and my fiancée Jo. I don’t think I would have played this long without them.”