Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone says she will finish her tennis career at the end of 2017.

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The Italian veteran and former top 10 player made the revelation after suffering an opening round loss at the Hobart International event.

Croatian qualifer Jana Fett easily beat Schiavone 6-3, 6-2 in just over an hour on Monday.

According to AAP, the 36-year-old Schiavone in her post-match press conference discussed that her body and motivation are wearing down after 19 years on tour.

"This is my last year of tennis. That's why I'm upset (I) didn't give the best here," Schiavone said. “This year I want to give everything that (I've) learned in the last 19 years."

One of the eldest players still on the WTA tour, Schiavone still says has a passion for the sport but that it’s time to move on to new things.

"In life I think I've arrived at the time to take the decision," she said of her retirement, despite still feeling a passion for tennis. "I don't know what I will do but I'm already planning something.”

Schiavone, who reached a career high of No. 4 in the world, won the 2010 French Open title and was a runner-up also in 2011. Schiavone's last WTA title came in Rio last February.

Now ranked No. 96 in the world, Schiavone is hoping for better results at the upcoming Australian Open.

"I go to Melbourne hoping, working to find my feeling (before the Australian Open)," Schiavone said.