British number seven Helen Crook is considering hanging up her rackets at the end of the year.

The 31-year-old Basildon player is competing in Qatar this week but thinks it may be time to call time on her pro playing career.

Retirement from the circuit would give Helen more time to run the two tennis-related organisations she currently juggles with full-time sport.

Helen Crook - considering retiring from professional tennis

"I'm planning to give it at least one more season and then see how I feel," Helen said today.

"I know I still have some of my best tennis left in me but I realise I'm no spring chicken and I have other interests."

Apart from playing on the pro tour, Helen runs Collegewise to help British players gain places at American universities and GB Tennis Girls, which aims to improve the women's game in Britain by supporting players.

Helen, who has held a world ranking longer than almost anyone else in the country, can reflect on a career that has had plenty of high points.

She qualified for the doubles event at Wimbledon and for the bulk of her career has held the country's number two or three doubles ranking.

"When you look at rankings it is easy to feel like an underachiever," said Crook.

"But statistics, such as being in the top eight per cent of players in the world, remind you to step back and pat yourself on the back for what you have achieved, especially when much of it was done on your own."

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo