Professional tennis player Petra Kvitova will retire after the upcoming U.S. Open.
The retired world number 2 tennis player, aged 35, shared the news of her retirement after a successful 19-year career in a detailed Instagram post on Thursday, June 18.
She reminisced about her beginnings in Fulnek, playing tennis with her father on the local courts. Never did she imagine back then that she would one day turn pro, travel the world, and compete in prestigious stadiums globally. Yet, all of these dreams materialized and so much more, she expressed.
Alongside a photo of herself holding the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2014, Kvitova went on to reflect on her many career achievements.
Reflecting on her achievements, she noted the incredible milestones she reached during her career. This includes clinching two Wimbledon Championships, securing six Billie Jean King Cup titles for the Czech Republic, achieving the world number 2 rank, and numerous other accomplishments.
The Czech player added: “I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I am so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years. It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life. I would never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport, and everything it has given me both on and off the court.”
As she looked ahead to her future in the caption, Kvitova confirmed the U.S Open will be her final professional match.
“As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now. I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional. I am excited and very much looking forward to soak in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me,” she added. “And while I am not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I am intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer.”
Kvitova also shared her gratitude for her loved ones, teammates and fans as she concluded her emotional announcement.
“While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment! I will leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face — the same smile you’ve seen from me on and off court throughout my whole career,” the athlete concluded. “Through all these years, I am so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years. I could not have asked or wished for anything more — tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.”
