Tennis Champ Thanks God After Last U.S. Open Game
Movieguide® Contributor
Shelby Rogers, a two-time Grand Slam singles quarterfinalist and 2017 BJK Cup champion, is showing gratitude to God for her career in tennis after her final match.
“I feel gratitude to the Lord for these blessings, for these talents, for the opportunities to just glorify Him with everything I do,” she said after the U.S. Open match she lost against Jessica Pegula, “and yeah, just overwhelming emotions.”
“I wish I would have prepared this better, but it’s so special to share this with you guys, and I just can’t wait to see. Don’t know what else I can do with the sport. I don’t want to leave it, but my body says it’s time, so I won’t be a stranger, and I hope to see you guys soon,” the athlete said.
Rogers grew up playing tennis with her opponent, Pegula. They competed as juniors and competed together on tours for 15 years.
Ahead of the match, Rogers said, “It’s kind of a full circle moment for me, it’s really special — one of the nicest people on tour and someone I’ve known for a long time. It just adds to the moment. There’s not many people I’d rather share this moment with.”
Rogers, who previously beat Serena Williams, knows that her wins and losses here on earth are not what define her.
She said last year, “You’ve just got to be so content with who you are inside, with your identity. That’s a big part where my Christian faith comes in. I’m really content with my identity outside of tennis, so the wins and losses don’t change my value as a person.”
Movieguide® recently reported on Rogers’s retirement:
Longtime professional tennis player Shelby Rogers declared that she found her foundation in Christ throughout her career as she announced she would be retiring from the sport after the 2024 U.S. Open.
“When you start playing a sport as a kid, you never think about the ending,” Rogers wrote. “You just practice, have fun and chase your dreams as hard as you can. My dream was to be a professional tennis player, and I can forever tell that little girl we did it.”
“‘The Lord has done more with this dream than I could have ever asked or imagined’ (Eph 3:20) and I give Him all the glory and praise,” she continued. “Jesus has been my foundation and my anchor through this crazy life on tour. I am forever humbled by the blessing and joys He has gifted me through both the highs and the lows.”
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