Photo Source: Camera Sport
Petra Kvitova, two-time Wimbledon champion, former World No.2 and winner of 31 titles on tour, has announced that she plans to retire after this year’s US Open.
The Fulnek, Czech Republic native was one of the most dominant players of her generation, a player who possessed breathtaking power and a wicked left-handed serve that befuddled her competition for well over a decade.
"I could not have asked or wished for anything more," Kvitova wrote in a statement on social media. "Tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love." Kvitova won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, defeating Maria Sharapova in a lopsided final when she was just 21, and returning three years later to bruise past Eugenie Bouchard 6-3, 6-0 in 55 minutes for her second title at SW19.
She was a part of six Billie Jean King Cup titles won by the Czech Republic, going 30-10 in singles rubbers for her nation, and she also reached the Australian Open in 2019, falling to Naomi Osaka in a battle for the No.1 ranking.
Kvitova earned 64 Top 10 wins, including seven against No.1-ranked players.
There were also obstacles to overcome for Kvitova, who was also known for her gentle demeanor and warmth and humanity by her peers. She suffered a lacerated hand when a knife-wielding intruder entered her home in 2016 – she made her triumphant return after career-threatening surgery to her left hand at Roland-Garros the next year.
"While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment!" Kvitova said. "I will leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face — the same smile you’ve seen from me on and off the court throughout my whole career.”
Kvitova gave birth to her baby boy Petr in July of 2024 and returned to tennis in February after a 15-month hiatus in Austin, Texas.