Today marks the beginning of the last pro tournament for U.S. tennis player Shelby Rogers.
The 31-year-old announced Friday on Instagram that the 2024 U.S. Open in New York would be the last professional tournament of her tennis career. Her first-round matchup is Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET against No. 6-ranked Jessica Pegula of the U.S.
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“When you start playing a sport as a kid, you never think about the ending,” she wrote. “You just practice, have fun, and chase your dreams as hard as you can. My dream was to be a professional tennis player, and I can forever tell that little girl we did it!
“The Lord has truly done more with this dream than I could’ve ever asked or imagined (Eph. 3:20), and I give Him all the glory and praise. Jesus has been my foundation and my anchor through this crazy life on tour. I am forever humbled by the blessings and joys He has gifted me through both the highs and lows.”
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Rogers cited recent injuries and subsequent surgeries as the reason she’s retiring, and she expressed gratitude for all who made her tennis career possible.
“My heart will always love this sport,” she concluded, “and I hope I can pass along some inspiration to the next generation of players to dream big and keep growing the beautiful game of tennis. I am very much looking forward to this next chapter of my life… but I can’t wait to see y’all in NY for one more US Open!”
Many fellow pro tennis players commented on Rogers’ post, including U.S. tennis star Coco Gauff, winner of last year’s U.S. Open.
“So sad we will miss you on (the WTA) tour!” Gauff commented. “Your spirit, kindness, and the sharing of your faith. However, I know this next chapter will be nothing short of all the amazing things you deserve! Can’t wait to watch your last dance!”
Rogers enters her final tournament with a 307–262 lifetime record across the ITF and WTA Tours. She won six singles titles and two doubles titles on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour, and she reached the quarterfinals at both the 2016 French Open and 2020 U.S. Open.
Throughout her career, she’s been vocal about her faith in Christ. She posts frequently about her faith on Instagram and writes in her bio that she’s a Christian. She also references the Bible verse Ephesians 2:8, which reads, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
Rogers has written devotionals for Sports Spectrum Magazine — for the Fall 2023, Winter 2023 and Summer 2024 editions — and appeared as a guest on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in May 2023. She talked on the podcast about her truest identity being in Christ, the Bible studies she’s been a part of with other players on tour, and how God works through song.
“I love worship,” she said. “I love really connecting with the words of a song. … Music is just super powerful for me. It’s a way I can really meditate on His words and feel His presence a little bit stronger.”
Rogers grew up attending church and Sunday School every week, and she credits her mom with instilling Biblical values in her and her sister, Sabra. Yet it wasn’t until she moved away from home as a pro tennis player, at the age of 17, when she truly recognized all God had done to save her.
“I’m not perfect,” she said. “I need a Savior and He is my Savior and that’s where I put my trust, my faith, and that’s what I believe in, and I carry that with me every day. I feel His presence with me and it’s just been really instrumental.”
“All I can do is worship.”
Don’t miss today’s episode on the pod with professional tennis player @Shelby_Rogers_!https://t.co/QCle1Bxwmt pic.twitter.com/Xcvs3zyj27
— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) May 8, 2023
“You don’t have to prove yourself to God,” Rogers said on the podcast about her value beyond the tennis court. “You don’t have to earn your salvation; you don’t have to earn His grace. That’s a free gift that He’s given you, and you don’t have to perform for Him. You just have to go out, enjoy yourself, and use these gifts He’s given you.
“… God isn’t looking at those worldly comparisons, He’s looking at your heart.”
Rogers’ time as a professional tennis player in the public eye may be drawing to a close, but as she said, she can look forward to the next chapter in her life. That’s because her Heavenly Father, who saved her and loves her and calls her His own, has already written it for her good and His glory.
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<
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