Quick Answer
A retirement occurs when a player starts a match but is unable to finish it.
If a player retires:
- The opponent wins the match.
- The result stands.
- The completed games and sets remain part of the official score.
Retirements usually occur because of injury or illness, although other circumstances can occasionally force a player to stop playing.
What Is a Retirement?
A retirement happens after the first point has been played.
If a player can no longer continue, they inform the chair umpire that they are retiring from the match.
The opponent is immediately declared the winner.
Unlike a walkover, the match has officially started.
Why Do Players Retire?
The overwhelming majority of retirements occur for medical reasons.
Common causes include:
Injury
Examples include:
- Muscle tears
- Ankle injuries
- Knee problems
- Back pain
- Shoulder injuries
Illness
Players sometimes retire because of:
- Heat illness
- Dizziness
- Food poisoning
- Viral infections
Physical Inability
Cramping or severe fatigue may occasionally prevent a player from continuing safely.
What Happens to the Score?
The completed score remains official.
For example:
6–4, 3–2 Retired
means the winner took the first set 6–4 and was leading 3–2 in the second when the opponent retired.
The remaining games are not played.
Does a Retirement Count as a Win?
Yes.
The remaining player is officially credited with the victory and advances to the next round.
Unlike a walkover, the match counts because play has already begun.
The result also counts towards the players’ head-to-head records.
Retirement vs Walkover
These two terms are often confused.
The key difference is simple.
| Retirement | Walkover |
|---|---|
| Match has started | Match never begins |
| At least one point played | No points played |
| Official match result | No official match played |
| Counts as a completed match | Player advances without play |
If a player withdraws before the first point, it’s a walkover.
If they stop after play has started, it’s a retirement.
Retirement vs Default
A default is different again.
A player is defaulted when they are disqualified for violating the rules.
Examples include:
- Dangerous behaviour
- Unsportsmanlike conduct
- Repeated code violations
A retirement is voluntary because the player cannot continue.
A default is imposed by officials.
Can a Player Receive Medical Treatment?
Yes.
Professional players may receive medical evaluations and treatment during a match under the applicable tour and competition rules.
If treatment doesn’t allow the player to continue safely, they may choose to retire.
Are Retirements Common?
Yes.
Professional tennis places enormous physical demands on players.
With tournaments taking place almost every week, injuries are an unfortunate reality of the sport.
Retirements are seen regularly across the ATP and WTA Tours, particularly during long matches or in extreme weather conditions.
Common Myths
“A retirement and a walkover are the same.”
False.
A retirement occurs after play begins.
A walkover occurs before the match starts.
“Retired players lose all ranking points.”
False.
Players may still receive ranking points and prize money based on the round reached and tournament regulations.
“The score is cancelled.”
False.
The completed portion of the score remains the official result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a retirement in tennis?
A retirement occurs when a player begins a match but cannot finish it.
Does a retirement count as a loss?
Yes.
The retiring player loses the match, and the opponent is awarded the victory.
Does the score still count?
Yes.
The score at the time of the retirement becomes the official result.
What’s the difference between a retirement and a walkover?
A retirement happens after play has started.
A walkover happens before the first point.
Why do players retire?
Most retirements are caused by injury or illness, although other circumstances can occasionally prevent a player from continuing.
Final Thoughts
Retirements are an unfortunate part of professional tennis, but they’re an important safeguard for player health. Once a match has started, any player who can no longer continue may retire, with the opponent awarded the victory and the completed score becoming official.
Understanding the distinction between a retirement, a walkover and a default makes tournament draws and match results much easier to follow, especially during the busiest weeks of the tennis calendar.
Continue Reading
- What Is a Walkover in Tennis?
- What Is a Default in Tennis?
- Tennis Serve Rules Explained
- Tennis Scoring Explained
- The Ultimate Tennis Glossary: 60 Tennis Terms Every Fan Should Know
- Tennis Court Dimensions Explained
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