Thursday, 14th February 2008
Tennis
Kuerten makes emotional exit from Brazil Open
Former world number one Gustavo Kuerten opened his farewell tour with a first round defeat in front of his home fans, the 31-year-old falling 7-5 6-1 to Argentina's Carlos Berlocq at the Brazil Open.
Kuerten has been battling hip problems since he was last ranked world number one eight years ago and has decided to retire after the French Open starting at the end of May.
"I have loved this sport and it has given me the most intense moments of my life," Kuerten said in an emotional speech. "I would like to keep playing but I just cannot."
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