Brazil's Gustavo Kuerten hits the ball against Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro during their match at the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California March 9, 2007. Former world No. 1 Kuerten will retire after playing the last season in 2008, the O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper said on Sunday.   (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BRASILIA, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Former world No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten will retire after playing the last season in 2008, the O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper said on Sunday.

    The 31-year-old Brazilian, whose ranking has slumped to 680 in the world after three injury-hit years, expected to cap his 12-year professional career with an emotional return to Roland Garros where he won three titles.

    "I have a 99-percent chance of playing at Roland Garros this year," said Kuerten who would need a wildcard to take part in a tournament he won in 1997, 2000 and 2001.

    "I love Roland Garros. It's where I have had the best performances of my career."

    Kuerten will kick off his season on home ground in the Brazil Open on February 11 and then take part in the Miami Masters from March 27 before returning to Brazil for the Santa Catarina Open at Florianopolis from April 23.