In a ceremony filled with tears, Elena Dementieva retired from tennis after a loss at the WTA Championships ended her 12-year career. "It is so emotional," she said. "It is so hard to say goodbye. I am going to miss you so much." The 29-year-old Russian reached two Grand Slam finals, won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics and helped spur the growth of tennis in her home country. Dementieva struggled with injuries this year but still won two tournaments. She announced her retirement following a 6-4, 6-2 loss to French Open champion Francesca Schiavone. Dementieva was surrounded by her fellow players during the ceremony, with mother Vera courtside. "She has been one of the players I grew up with playing in juniors," said Kim Clijsters, holding back tears. "It's nice to see her looking forward to something new in her life. ... She has been one of the most professional players, one of the nicest girls on the court." Dementieva said she'd decided at the beginning of 2010 that this would be her last season. Her family, she said, tried to persuade her to play two more years. Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/news/story?id=5741128
