Safina retires - brother

Former world number one Dinara Safina has retired from professional tennis, according to her brother Marat Safin.

Safina has been battling a long-term back injury and had been on an indefinite break from the game.

The Russian repeatedly suggested she may never return to competitive action and brother Marat confirmed the news today.

He told reporters at a press conference: “Dinara has decided to end her career. She has taken the decision relatively well. She considers it just to be the end of a period in her life.

“Everything is okay with her health. She feels good in everyday life, but she simply can’t play tennis professionally any more.”

Safina claimed 12 women’s singles titles during her career and rose to the top of the rankings in April 2009.