Professional tennis player Petra Kvitova will retire after the upcoming U.S. Open.
The former world number 2 tennis champ, 35, announced her impending retirement after 19 years via a lengthy Instagram statement made on Thursday, June 18.
“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,” she wrote.
Alongside a photo of herself holding the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2014, Kvitova went on to reflect on her many career achievements.
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“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,” she wrote.
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.”
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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.”
