Naomi Cavaday retires from tennis at 22

Naomi Cavaday has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 22.

The Kent-born left-hander battled depression and an eating disorder during a brief career that saw her play in three Wimbledons and reach a career-high ranking of 174 in May last year.

She will now focus on becoming a coach at the Lawn Tennis Association. "I would like to confirm that I will no longer be training and competing as a professional tennis player," she said in a statement on the LTA website.

"Throughout my career I have had big struggles with an eating disorder and depression but I'm pleased to say that I have worked through and overcome these issues and I am now in a great place to be able to make this decision, even though it has been a difficult decision to make."

Cavaday is hoping to use her experiences to help young players in her role at the LTA, who she praised for their support her during her career.

"I would like to thank the LTA for their support that enabled me to work through this positively and I am now assisting the Player Support Team to help benefit the young players starting out on their journey," she added. "I really can't wait to get stuck in to coaching which I really enjoy, with a specific focus on the emotional well-being of young athletes to help them achieve their potential as people and players. I want to be honest about what I have been through to raise awareness of these difficulties that many people go through and athletes are no exception. This can only help them with their development as people and as players."