Date Says Second Farewell in Stella
It was almost a rainy retirement match for Japanese professional player Kimiko Date at the Japan Women’s Open Tennis on Sept. 12, 2017. Puddles were seen in the walkway behind her as the adidas rep waved to the crowd.
Date glowed during the last professional match in the Radiant Orange, Stella McCartney Barricade Tank and Tennis Skort. The Shocking Pink accent on the sleeve of the Stella Tank even matched the posters and logo of the Tokyo International.
The former No. 4 impressed the crowd with her controlled returns and cross-court shots, yet couldn’t salvage a game against 24-year-old Aleksandra Krunic of Serbia. Krunic showed great respect after winning the match and bowed down to Date as they approached the net.
Date, the owner of eight WTA titles, is now 46 years old and closed her career due to the physical stress and injury to her body (knee and shoulder.) Her first retirement was at age 25.
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