Japan's Sugiyama likely retiring at end of season

TOKYO -- Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama says she is likely to retire at the end of this tennis season.

Sugiyama, 34, has indicated the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo this month likely will be her last in a 17-year career in which her singles ranking rose to a high of No. 8.

"I am normally the type that can picture what the near future holds, but to be honest at this moment in time, I can't see myself competing next season," Sugiyama told Kyodo news on Wednesday.

At the U.S. Open on Monday, Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova lost to Yan Zi and Zheng Jie 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. She lost in singles to Samantha Stosur 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round.

"I knew that the moment I realized I could play well in fits and starts but not over the course of a season, then it would be time to retire," she said. "Now I would like to give something back to tennis."

Sugiyama won six WTA tour singles titles and doubles titles at all the Grand Slam events except the Australian Open. She reached the final there this year.