Stephen Hendry makes Ronnie O’Sullivan bombshell retirement claim after snooker withdrawals
The snooker world has been set abuzz following Stephen Hendry’s shocking comments regarding Ronnie O’Sullivan’s future in the sport. The seven-time world champion has suggested that O’Sullivan’s recent string of tournament withdrawals could be signaling the beginning of the end for one of snooker’s greatest ever players.
Hendry, speaking on his latest podcast appearance, didn’t mince words: “I’ve known Ronnie for decades, and I’ve never seen this pattern before. These aren’t just random withdrawals – I think we’re seeing the early stages of Ronnie preparing for life after competitive snooker.”
The bombshell claim comes after O’Sullivan pulled out of several ranking events this season, citing various reasons from fatigue to personal matters. While ‘The Rocket’ has previously taken breaks throughout his illustrious career, Hendry believes this time is different.
“When you’ve been in the game as long as I have, you recognize the signs,” Hendry explained. “Ronnie’s not getting any younger, and he’s accomplished everything there is to accomplish in snooker – multiple times over. The passion to compete week in, week out may not be there anymore.”
O’Sullivan, now 48, has long maintained an ambivalent relationship with the sport that made him famous. Despite being widely regarded as the most naturally talented player in history, he has frequently expressed frustration with the demanding tour schedule and the toll it takes mentally and physically.
Hendry’s comments have predictably divided the snooker community. Some fellow professionals have dismissed the retirement talk as premature, pointing to O’Sullivan’s continued brilliance when he does compete. Just last month, ‘The Rocket’ produced a vintage performance to claim yet another ranking title, showing few signs of diminished ability.
“Writing off Ronnie has been a fool’s errand for twenty years now,” noted current world number three Judd Trump. “He could withdraw from ten tournaments in a row, then show up and win the World Championship without breaking a sweat. That’s just Ronnie.”
While O’Sullivan himself has yet to respond to Hendry’s claims, his long-time manager has moved to downplay the retirement speculation: “Ronnie is simply managing his schedule to ensure he’s at his best for the tournaments that matter most to him. Any talk of retirement is pure speculation at this point.”
However, Hendry remains convinced that the signs are there for those willing to see them. “I went through it myself,” the Scot reflected. “There comes a point where, despite still having the ability, you start questioning whether you want to put yourself through the grind anymore. Ronnie’s body language lately reminds me a lot of my own mindset toward the end.”
For snooker fans, the prospect of O’Sullivan’s retirement represents nothing short of the end of an era. Since turning professional in 1992, ‘The Rocket’ has redefined what’s possible on a snooker table, combining breathtaking skill with a rock-star persona that transcended the sport itself.
Whether Hendry’s bombshell prediction proves accurate remains to be seen. But one thing is certain – whenever O’Sullivan does decide to hang up his cue for good, the sport will never quite be the same again.