RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva congratulated three-time French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten on his achievements on Wednesday and said it was a shame injuries were forcing his retirement.
Hobbled by a chronic hip injury, Kuerten has said he will quit after the French Open, which starts on May 25.
This week he lost his first-round singles and doubles at the Brazil Open, his last professional matches on home soil.
Kuerten is "the greatest idol (Brazilian) tennis has ever produced," on par with former Wimbledon champion Maria Ester Bueno, Silva said in a statement.
Kuerten "encouraged millions of Brazilian youngsters to practise sports," Silva said. "It's a shame to see him say goodbye to competition."
He's "an extraordinary Brazilian that brought many glories to the country and that we all learned to admire."
The 31-year-old from Florianopolis began his pro career in 1995, and earned his greatest success on the red clay at Roland Garros, where he was champion in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
He reached No. 1 in 2000 and became the first South American in ATP rankings history to finish the year on top. Kuerten won 20 singles titles, his last on home clay at Costa do Sauipe in 2004.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iCBElqvlTL-xiBKBm4iM42w4px9w
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