TORONTO: Canada’s Rebecca Marino, a rising star in women’s tennis, stepped away from the sport in search of a normal life on Wednesday, weary of battling depression and cyber-bullies.

Ranked number 38 in the world two years ago, the 22-year-old admitted she had long suffered from depression and was no longer willing to make the sacrifices necessary to reach the top.

“After thinking long and hard, I do not have the passion or enjoyment to drive myself to the level I would like to be at in professional tennis,” Marino explained in a conference call.

“I have previously been number 38 on the WTA singles rankings so I realise the amount of work and sacrifices that have to be put in and at this point I do not think it is worth sacrificing my happiness.

“I feel there is more to life than just tennis.”

Big and powerful, Marino appeared destined for a promising career on the WTA circuit and under-scored her potential in a hard fought second round clash with Venus Williams at the 2010 US Open.

“Now I know what it’s like to play myself,” Williams told reporters after winning the match 7-6 6-3.

The following season, Marino backed up that potential by reaching her first career WTA final in Memphis and advancing to the third round of the French Open.