JOACHIM JOHANSSON RETIRES

Swedish former top 10 player Joachim Johansson announced his retirement from international competition on Friday at the age of just 25, citing his recurrent shoulder injuries as the reason.

"During the last month I underwent all kinds of examinations and the doctors say not even another operation will help me," added Johansson, whose last major appearance was playing for Sweden against United States in the Davis Cup in September.

The 1.98-metres tall Johansson, tipped by many as Sweden's next big thing in tennis, was briefly ranked ninth in the world three years ago.

He reached the US Open semifinals in 2004 by beating American Andy Roddick in five sets, before bowing out to Australia's Lleyton Hewitt.

He won three ATP tournaments, Memphis in 2004 and Adelaide and Marseille in 2005, but his hard-serving style of play took its toll on his shoulder. He played just three tournaments last year and was out for long periods in 2005 and 2006.