South Africa’s Tenille Van Der Merwe Announces Retirement by Elliot Selby
December 16, 2011-
South Africa’s Tenille Van Der Merwe (formerly Swartz) has
announced that she will be retiring from the WSA tour immediately.
Tenille spoke to us briefly and had this to say:
"It is with great sadness that I hereby announce my retirement from the
international circuit. I have been part of WSA since 2006 and it was
only an honour and privilege playing on the international circuit. WSA
is very well run and organised and I have never experienced any
problems. All the tournaments I have been to, were run in a very
professional manner and working with WSA has always been hassle free.
Thank you that I had the opportunity to be part of such an amazing
organisation, this was the toughest decision I have ever had to make
and I will certainly miss all the good times I had on the circuit. "
When asked why she had decided to step away from the tour Tenille
added, "The main reason is financial and also set back because of
injuries. Also because of my new business opportunity, I am running a
new business called soccermom Cape Town; it’s a recruitment
company that places drivers with families who can't transport their
kids to and from school and or activities. Almost like aupairing but
only for the driving duties, I will also complete my Bcom law degree
next year."
Tenille was one of the brightest stars on the tour and at only 24 years
old, already achieved more than most players had done in their careers.
She was a former British Junior Open finalist and World Junior Open
semi finalist. She reached a career high of 28 in the rankings back in
2008 and won 2 titles on the tour. Recurring injuries saw her ranking
fluctuate up until today but every time she dropped down it
didn’t take her long to quickly return to the top 50, such is her
talent.
Tenille proved a difficult opponent for a lot of the top players and
her results speak for themselves. She held winning records or has
beaten the following players: Tania Bailey, Low Wee Wern, Nour El
Sherbini, Engy Kheirallah, Emma Beddoes, Aisling Blake, Annelize Naude,
Camille Serme, Dipika Pallikal, Donna Urquhart and Isabelle Stoehr.
Last year she also took both Vanessa Atkinson and Rachael Grinham to
the brink. Impressive.
Not only was Tenille talented but she was one of the nicest and kindest
players on the tour, humble in victory and gracious in defeat. A role
model for young players and an ambassador for the game.
Everyone at WSA wishes Tenille all the best for her marriage, business
venture and we hope to see you back on the court someday soon.
A true South African great.
Tributes so far:
‘Nilla, South African squash is losing a great sporting talent.
Thank you for showing us what is possible, against all odds.
You are truly an inspiration for many of us, and paved the way where
many didn't see how it could be done. Your dedication and work ethic is
truly admirable, and if I become half the ambassador for the game that
you have been, I will be more than satisfied. I pray the next chapter
of your life bears much fruit. You will be missed...and your coffee
needs in the early hours of the morning :)
God bless, my friend.’
Siyoli Waters
"It was sad for me to hear the news that Tenille had decided to call it
a day still so early in her career. We've had some tremendous battles
over the years and I won't miss her running me ragged only to pip me in
5 nearly every time! If it hadn't been for a serious shoulder injury
and the costs of travelling from South Africa she would definitely have
been challenging the top 10 by now. But more than that Tenille is one
of the friendliest and kindest people I have ever met who is a great
role model for any aspiring professional player. No matter if she won
or lost it was always with the greatest humility and I know I will not
be the only one to miss having her on the tour. I hope South African
squash appreciate what a great player and ambassador she has been for
them and I wish her every success in the future."