She will not be joined by 32-year-old Diyas, who has just announced her immediate retirement from tennis.

Williams played Diyas twice in her career, with their head-to-head even at 1-1, and she has now sent a heartfelt message on social media to the Kazakh.

Venus Williams messages Zarina Diyas after she announces her retirement

Diyas played her first Grand Slam in four years at the Australian Open earlier this year, but after losing in the first round she has not played another match since.

The former top 40 player has now confirmed her retirement from tennis, with Diyas posting a lengthy and emotional message on her Instagram.

Diyas wrote in a translated message from Russian to English, “Today I am closing one of the most important chapters of my life I am ending my professional tennis career. It has been an incredible journey… the path of a girl from Almaty, who since childhood dreamed of playing in world arenas, winning tournaments and becoming one of the best in the world.

“And I still can’t believe that this dream has become my reality of winning tournaments, a place in the top 30 in the world ranking and the honor to represent Kazakhstan at the Olympics. I am proud to have played for the national team…represented Kazakhstan on the world stage.

“This will always be in my heart. Tennis gave me a lot, it taught me to be strong, not to give up, to keep going no matter what. There were difficult periods, but there were also victories, emotions and moments that cannot be described in words… and it is impossible to forget.

“Thanks to everyone who has been there for me. To my fans, you gave me incredible energy, you were my strength.

“To my family… To my mom for bringing me into this sport and for her faith and love that pushed me forward every day. To my sister Alice for supporting and helping me throughout my career. Thank you to my team, coaches, friends, sponsors and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation for your support and contribution to my journey.

“Leaving feeling proud, grateful and dignified and with a huge love of tennis… that will forever be a part of me. A new chapter of my life begins. Love you all.”

It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇

Diyas received many messages of support in the comments of this post, most notably from seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams.

Williams wrote, “You’re an inspiration! Will miss seeing you on the court!”

Diyas clearly appreciated this message and responded by saying, “Thanks Venus! Means the world (love heart emoji).”

Williams was not the only WTA player who wished Diyas well in her retirement, with former top 20 player Daria Saville also congratulating the Kazakh on her career.

Saville said, “Congratulations! Thankful that our paths crossed! (love heart emoji) Good luck in everything that’s coming!”

Former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also reacted to Diyas’ statement, “Goosebumps (love heart and tearing up eye emojis).”

Zarina Diyas’ Best Career Achievements

Diyas achieved many great things in her career, including reaching a career-high singles ranking of world number 31 in 2015.

The sole WTA title victory of her career came at the Japan Women’s Open in 2017, where Diyas also reached the final in 2014.

Diyas’ best Grand Slam results came at Wimbledon, where she reached the last-16 in both 2014 and 2015.

She also reached the quarterfinals in the women’s doubles draw at the 2014 US Open, where she played alongside Xu Yifan.

Diyas will now step away from competitive tennis, but 45-year-old Venus Williams has not made any statements about her retiring from the sport just yet.

Williams will return to competition at the Madrid Open later this month, as she plays her first clay court tournament since 2021.