LONDON: Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama has admitted this could be her last Wimbledon.

The 33-year-old, who made her All England Club debut in 1993, says she is now playing for the sheer fun of it -- and could be on her 17th and final visit.

Though the Japanese number one is finding it harder to stay in peak fitness, she is still having the time of her life on the tennis court -- and her performances this year have motivated her to carry on.

"It's my 17th time at Wimbledon, which is half my life!" the world number 38 told AFP.

"Some players like (Britain's) Laura Robson or young players were not even born when I was playing. But I always enjoy playing here at Wimbledon, and that's what I'm playing for."

However, the former world number eight has no plans yet to return to Wimbledon and show the likes of girls' champion Robson a thing or two.

"I'm just thinking year by year now. I don't know if I can come back next year. It is too far to think of for me," she said.

"Each year I'm fighting every day to be fit and physically, mentally to be able to play at the top level. It's difficult actually.

"The older you get, it's definitely tougher because physically, when you're young, even though you play three or four matches, once you stretch well, eat well then sleep you will be fresh.

"But when you get to 33, recovering wise, it's not that easy compared to before so you have to really take care of your body."

Sugiyama, a 2004 Wimbledon quarter-finalist, was knocked out in the third round by her doubles partner Daniela Hantuchova.

The Slovak beat her 6-4, 6-3 on Friday.

However, the pair will reunite for their ladies' doubles campaign, where they are seeded sixth.

Sugiyama and Hantuchova, who have won three doubles titles together, resume their partnership when they face Russia's Alisa Kleybanova and Ekaterina Makarova in the second round.

Hantuchova said she wasted no time in making up with Sugiyama after beating her.

"I already said sorry after the match," Hantuchova said.

"It's never a nice feeling having to play 'Sugi' because she's one of my best friends. We've got such a great history together," she added.

"She's a great player, especially on grass... she's one of the best hitters on the tour."

Despite the defeat, Sugiyama is feeling good about her tennis and reckons Wimbledon has given her a second wind.

Her run at the All England Club marked her first singles victories since the second round of the Australian Open in January.

"I'm having a great time here in Wimbledon. I've been struggling in my singles for a long time this year," the former doubles world number one said.

"I hadn't won eight first round matches in a row but now that gave me a lot of confidence again to be able to play top level again. It motivates me again."