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By Baseline Staff Apr 21, 2024

WATCH: Haas calls it a career in Indian Wells

Published Mar 16, 2018

#BNPPO18: Tommy Haas Retirement Announcement
Watch live as Tommy Haas announces his official retirement from pro tennis.
Posted by BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, March 15, 2018

Thursday's evening session at the BNP Paribas Open saw Tommy Haas officially announce his retirement. The former world No. 2 was made the Indian Wells tournament director last year.

"I consider myself extremely fortunate that I was able play professional tennis for a living for more than two decades," Haas said. "The sport gave me cherished friendships, an ability to travel the world, and opportunities to create incredible memories."

The German finished eight seasons inside the Top 10, and won 15 career titles. His most recent titles came in 2013 (in Vienna and Munich). Remarkably, his last ATP singles match was a win over Roger Federer last year in Stuttgart.

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Tommy Haas officially says good-bye to playing career.

"I couldn't think of a better time to say so... or a better setting."

Thank you, Tommy #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/BG4sT14yXZ
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 16, 2018

"I was happy to be there and to share the moment with him, because it was his moment and it was great to be there," Federer said. He stayed on court for the ceremony after his win over Hyeon Chung.

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Haas at 39 is just three years older than the world No. 1. People, including Federer, have nothing but respect for Haas' 22-year career.

"I was always very closely in touch with his decision-making as well, maybe is he going to retire or not. We were always talking a little bit," Federer said. "I'm just very happy for him that he was able to take this big decision. You know, it's not an easy one, but it should be one of happiness and one of pride, and I think that's what he felt."

Tennis seemed to come easily for uber-talented Tommy Haas when he was young. He rose quickly but proved his character with how he approached the game after it no longer came easily, fighting through injury after injury. Even tonight he said "It's still in me, the fire"

Respect
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) March 16, 2018

Thanks for the memories, @TommyHaas13! https://t.co/KiG7H6WgKF
— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 16, 2018

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.@TommyHaas13 officially calls time on his tennis career. Congratulations to our 3x #AusOpen semifinalist 👏 pic.twitter.com/6NYiprHrZn
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) March 16, 2018

After 🇩🇪 @TommyHaas13 officially retired last night, we thought we would do a special #FBF to his #DavisCup debut - a four-set win over Wayne Ferreira in 1998 as Germany defeated South Africa 5-0 in the World Group first round! pic.twitter.com/bIql3NtGO1
— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) March 16, 2018

"The time has come for me to officially retire, and I couldn't think of a better time to say so. I couldn't think of a better setting," Haas said. "As I'm standing here I wish i had a couple of racquets to maybe have a few strokes. It's still in me, the fire."

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**WTA Indian Wells On-Demand

-Watch your favorite WTA matches from Indian Wells on-demand on Tennis Channel Plus**

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