Clijsters calls time

Clijsters has struggled with injury over the last few years and had said this season would be her last but had planned to play at Wimbledon.

However the 2005 US Open champion lost her opening match at this week's Warsaw Cup to Julia Vakulenko and that seems to have hastened her decision.

"After all my fantastic goodbyes in Antwerp [where she lost in the final to Amelie Mauresmo], the fire had died out," Clijsters said.

"Every hour has been dedicated to my body, the difficulty of getting out of bed in the morning and heating up the muscles for an hour, the preparation for the marriage to Brian which is taking up more of my time - all of that made it very difficult to continue.

"I would easily have been able to continue for a few months and to take part in the four most lucrative tournaments [the three Grand Slams and the WTA Tour Championships]. The money is certainly important but not the most important thing in my life. Health and my private life are more important.

"I have great memories of my career: many victories in tournaments, Grand Slams in both singles and doubles, as well as being the world number one in singles and doubles.

"Magnificent moments but less than I have gained from the other players, the exchanges between the Belgian and foreign supporters, the joy of the journey with handicapped people. Without also forgetting the all the awards I have received from the players who hold a special place in my heart.

"But now it is time for a new life. Time for marriage. Time for children? And especially time for my family and friends. Not to travel anymore. Not to read lies in the newspapers anymore."

Clijsters also reserved a special message for all the fans that have followed her around the world over the years and asked them to respect her privacy at the wedding.

Thank you for all your support during the years," Clijsters said.

"Thank you for your hundreds of thousands of letters, gifts and phone calls. Sorry to have made you leave your beds in the middle of the night to watch my matches. My wedding is set for July 14th.

"Many of my fans have asked when and where it will be, but you must understand that this day will be a private affair. Only my friends and family will be present.

"But I do not want this to be my goodbye to you. This is why I will invite you in September to a big festival. When and in what form, it is not decided yet but you will be informed in time via a newspaper and my website."