Former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo has confirmed her retirement from tennis.

Mauresmo, who won in SW19 in 2006, had previously hinted at the decision but she confirmed her plans at a news conference on Thursday.

The French star said: "I came here to announce the end of my career. I made this decision after careful consideration."

Explaining her decision, she added: "I don't want to train anymore. I had to make a decision, which became evident in the last few months and weeks. When you grow older, it's more difficult toay at the top.

"It's a bit sad but this is the right decision. I was lucky enough to have an exceptional career and to experience very strong feelings on the court.

"I dreamt of this career, I dreamt of winning a grand slam title. I lifted trophies in every city in the world and I lived 10 magical and unbelievable years.''

And the 30-year-old feels it is unlikely she will change her mind and follow Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin in returning to the WTA Tour.

"Even if I've learned to never say never, the players you are thinking about stopped earlier than me before coming back,'' she added.

Mauresmo spent a total 39 weeks, in two spells, as world number one during her career.

As well as Wimbledon, she tasted Grand Slam glory at the 2006 Australian Open, the best year of her career.

The last three years have been a story of gradual decline and injuries, with Mauresmo winning only two titles since that All England Club triumph.

The last of those - her 25th - came in stunning fashion in Paris in February and hinted at a revival, but it was not to be and Mauresmo ends her career ranked 21st in the world having played her last match at September's US Open.

Stacey Allaster, chairman of the WTA Tour, paid to tribute to Mauresmo and her accomplishments.

"Amelie will go down in history as one of the best players of her generation and a terrific ambassador for women's tennis," she said.

"Amelie's accomplishments not only include winning two Grand Slam titles and becoming the first French player to reach the world number one ranking, but leading France to a Fed Cup victory, and generously donating her time to various social causes. Amelie is an extraordinary player, one of the nicest and friendliest personalities on Tour, and a true champion both in tennis and in life."