Casey Dellacqua retires from tennis

Australia's Casey Dellacqua has announced her retirement from tennis to focus on her young family.

Casey Dellacqua. Source: Getty

Australian tennis player Casey Dellacqua has announced her retirement from the sport.

The 33-year-old posted a video to her social media account on Tuesday to mark the end of her career, effective immediately.

Dellacqua says she came to the decision to spend more time with her partner Amanda Judd and children Blake and Andie.

"It's something I've been thinking about for a while and I definitely feel like it's the right time to hang up the rackets and be a mum," Dellacqua said.

"It's time for me to spend time with my family, particularly while my kids are young.

"It's a precious time in life and I feel like I want to be at home with my family."

Dellacqua reached a career-high singles ranking of 26 in September 2014, but had battled injuries and focused on her successful doubles career in recent years.

She bows out after helping Australian to win their Fed Cup tie against Ukraine in February to reach the World Group qualifiers.

Dellacqua reignited her successful combination with Ashleigh Barty to help win the deciding doubles rubber on her birthday.

"One thing I'll miss about professional tennis is playing for Australia," Dellacqua said.

"It was always the highlight of my career and it's something I'll always cherish having those memories representing my country."

The West Australian won a mixed doubles grand slam in 2011, partnering with American Scott Lipsky to take out the French Open.

She reached seven doubles grand slam finals, including last year's French Open decider with Barty, but couldn't break through for a crown.

Her best singles results in grand slams were reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open twice (2008, 2014) and US Open in 2014.