Former top ten player and still capable veteran Ai Sugiyama is retiring from the WTA tour at the end of 2009, NHK reports.

Sugiyama, 34, reached #1 in doubles and #8 in singles during her career, and won four grand slam doubles titles.

Her incredible footwork, consistency, longevity, and smile will certainly be missed. Sugiyama is one of the most universally likable players in the game over the past decades, to be sure.