Golovin Shoots Down Retirement Rumors

Tatiana Golovin's tennis exposure these days have been confined to a Dominican Republic beach where she shot the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue photo spread with Maria Kirilenko and Daniela Hantuchova. Though a back injury has sidetracked her tennis career, Golovin insists she's not planning to pursue a new career track any time soon.

A year ago, olovin reached her career-high rank of No. 12. A back injury has sidelined Golovin since May but she shot down retirement rumors today saying the break is merely a time out from tennis rather than the beginning of the end of her career.

"Those are just rumours; it's too easy to say such a thing. I'm just taking my time to get better," Golovin told the media at the Paris Indoors today. "It always takes some time to heal correctly and get back into shape. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed and doing what it takes to come back as quickly as possible.

I suffer from lower back inflammation, and it requires lots of therapy, treatment and rest. You have to be especially patient."

The injury-induced break has caused Golovin's rank to plummet to No. 782. Golovin celebrated her 21st birthday on January 25 and said she is unable to resume training. She's focusing on regaining her health rather than targeting a date for her return to tournament tennis. 

"Well, for now, I'm living day by day," Golovin said. "I'm making my back my priority and it will take as long as it needs to heal. In any case, I'm staying positive."

Currently splitting time between London and Paris, Golovin has spent her spare time taking classes and undergoing therapy.

"What I like (about London), is that it's a European city, but English is spoken, which is convenient for me," Golovin said. "But I'm still impatient to get back to training and to my career."