"Today, there are still people who don't understand my decision," Garcia says about her retirement

Caroline Garcia has advanced to the second round of the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati. Invited by the tournament organizers—where she claimed victory three years ago—the French player delivered a strong performance to overcome Sonay Kartal (5-7, 6-4, 6-3).

Now ranked 200th in the world, the 31-year-old Garcia is savoring her final moments as a professional player, as she will retire after the US Open. During the press conference following her win against the British player, the former world No. 4 addressed the reactions of some who believe she could still continue on the tour.

"Today, there are still people who don’t understand my decision. Some tell me, ‘Oh, but you’re still very young.’ That’s true, but it’s also obvious that I’ve been on the tour for a very long time.

I’ve experienced many highs and lows, I’ve had tough moments, whether in terms of my tennis level or results. I’ve suffered a lot personally—that was the hardest part for me.

I don’t want to play tennis just for the sake of playing tennis. I’ve been at the top, and I know what it takes to climb back up the rankings again.

But now, I no longer have the strength—maybe the motivation—to do it again. And that’s okay, because there comes a time when you have to take a different path and start a new chapter. I hope this one will bring more joy and light into my life," Garcia told *Punto de Break*.