Former world No. 1 Dinara Safina has transitioned from player to coaching, according to ESPN.
Per ESPN article, 30-year-old Safina is now working as a tennis coach at MatchPoint NYC, a tennis facility located in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
The Russian was forced to retire from the tour at the age of 25 due to nagging back injury.
“Unfortunately, for me, because of my injury I had to retire early at 25.
“I could have played more, but I don’t regret it. What was done is done. I gave it 100 percent every day,” said Safina to ESPN.
Safina is one of the few former WTA players who have transitioned to coaching. Multiple Grand Slam holders (respectively) Martina Navratilova, Lindsay Davenport. Amelie Mauresmo, Justine Henin, and Martina Hingis have coached top players such as world No. 1 Andy Murray, Agnieszka Radwanska, Madison Keys, Elina Svitolina, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist won 12 career singles titles. Her highest ranking was No. 1 in April, 2009. She retired officially in 2014.