SHANGHAI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Sweden veteran Jonas Bjorkman has retired from professional tennis after he and his Zimbabwean partner Kevin Ullyett failed to qualify for the Tennis Masters Cup semifinals on Friday.

    The pair lost to Polish duo Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski 6-2, 1-6, 10-6 in their final Gold Group match.

Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden reacts after the men's doubles competition against Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski from Poland at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 14, 2008. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "We were hoping to maybe get through," said the 36-year-old Bjorkman. "I still think it's great to end my career in the biggest event of the year. But you can't get everything. I've been mentally prepared for this because I'm mentally very ready to retire.

    "I've been very fortunate to be able to play for so long. It started as my hobby, and I've been able to do it for 17 years, which is great. I'm really looking forward for the next step in life."

    Bjorkman enjoyed a glittering career in both singles and doubles. On Nov. 3, 1997 he reached a career high of No. 4 in the ATP Rankings and won three ATP titles the same year, including the Stockholm title in front of his home crowd, which he cites as one of his greatest memories.

Jonas Bjorkman of Sweden shows his hug to the audience after the men's doubles competition against Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski from Poland at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai, 2008, in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 14, 2008.  (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    Bjorkman's career has spanned 17 years and some of his finest moments have come in recent years. At the age of 34, the right-hander reached the 2006 Wimbledon semifinals, where he fell to World No. 1 Roger Federer, who went on to claim his fourth title at the All England Club.

    "I think definitely the locker room will be something that (I) will miss because it's very unique," explained the Monte-Carlo resident. "You're all in a way enemies and everyone wants to win, but you can still sit next to each other preparing for a game. I think everyone treats each other with great respect. It's also a lot of fun to be around everyone. To listen to all the trash talk in the locker rooms will be something that I will miss."