Petra Kvitová, a two-time Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2, has officially announced her plans to retire from professional tennis.
The Czech tennis star, now 35, shared the news with her fans on Instagram on Thursday, June 18, expressing her deep gratitude for everything tennis has given her over the years.
Reflecting on an Incredible Career
In her emotional post, Kvitová reflected on her journey, starting from her humble beginnings in Fulnek, Czech Republic. She shared how, as a young girl, she never imagined that her love for tennis would lead to a professional career, traveling the world and competing in some of the most prestigious stadiums globally.
“Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player,” Kvitová wrote.
Throughout her remarkable career, Kvitová achieved many milestones, including winning two Wimbledon titles, in 2011 and 2014, and six Billie Jean King Cup trophies. Her success on the court propelled her to a career-high No. 2 ranking in the world.
Gratitude and Lessons Beyond the Court
Kvitová’s message went beyond just thanking her supporters; she also spoke about the profound impact tennis had on her life.
“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,” she wrote, emphasizing the personal growth she experienced through the sport.
She also noted the invaluable lessons learned from tennis, which reached far beyond the physical challenges of the sport itself. “I would never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport, and everything it has given me both on and off the court.”
Her Final Season and Plans for Retirement
The two-time Wimbledon champion confirmed that she will retire at the end of the 2025 tennis season, marking the conclusion of her career.
Kvitová is especially excited about her final Wimbledon appearance, stating, “I am excited and very much looking forward to soaking in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me.”
In addition to her final Wimbledon appearance, Kvitová plans to end her career on a high note at the U.S. Open in New York, scheduled from August 24 to September 7, 2025. “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,” she said.
Thanking Supporters
Kvitová closed her announcement by thanking the people who have supported her throughout her career. She expressed her gratitude to her friends, family, and coaches, saying, “Tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.”
As Petra Kvitová prepares for her final season, her legacy in tennis is cemented with her two Wimbledon titles and numerous other achievements.
Her decision to retire marks the end of an era, but Kvitová’s love for the game and the memories she created on the court will continue to inspire fans and aspiring athletes worldwide.
