Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has announced that she will retire from professional tennis later this summer. The former world No. 2 returned to competition in February after spending a year on the sidelines to welcome her first child. But Kvitova will now hang up her racket for good after the US Open.
On Wednesday, the All England Club announced that Kvitova would be the only non-British recipient of a main draw wildcard in the ladies singles event. And Kvitova is “looking forward to soaking in the beauty” of Wimbledon one more time before saying farewell to the sport.
Kvitova has won one match since making her comeback earlier this year, beating Irina-Camelia Begu in Rome. She played the new WTA 500 event at Queen’s last week but lost her opening match to Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The Czech star then withdrew from this week’s Nottingham Open with a right hip injury. And she is now preparing to play Wimbledon for the final time before bowing out in Flushing Meadows.
Kvitova peaked at a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world in 2011 and returned to the No. 2 spot in 2019 after finishing runner-up at the Australian Open. She won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, and lifted a total of 31 trophies in her career.
The 35-year-old announced the news of her retirement in an emotional social media post on Thursday.
She wrote: “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, being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world. And sure enough…somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more.
“I’ve been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player. From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world #2 ranking and so much more. 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 with 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
“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.
“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. 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. With love, Petra.”