Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, has retired from professional tennis following her first-round defeat at the 2025 U.S. Open. The Czech player fell 6-1, 6-0 to France’s Diane Parry, bringing to a close an extraordinary career that spanned almost twenty years.
Her farewell at Flushing Meadows came with tears and warm applause from fans, who celebrated her achievements. Kvitova leaves the sport as one of the most admired and resilient players of her generation.
A Career of Triumphs
Kvitova, known for her powerful left-handed game, won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014. She reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2 and collected 31 WTA singles titles. Beyond individual glory, she also played a key role in leading the Czech Republic to six Billie Jean King Cup titles.
Her career was not only about victories but also about resilience. In 2016, Kvitova survived a violent knife attack at her home, which left her with severe hand injuries. Many doubted she would ever return to tennis, but she made a strong comeback, proving her determination and mental strength.
A Difficult Farewell
The U.S. Open was her final tournament, as she had already confirmed earlier this year that she would retire after the Grand Slam. Kvitova had only recently returned to the tour after giving birth to her son Petr in 2024.
In her emotional press conference she stated, “From the moment I woke up this morning, I knew it wasn’t going to be a good day. I couldn’t eat, and I felt a different kind of nervousness. On court, I couldn’t move properly, couldn’t swing, and nothing seemed to work”. Though tears flowed after the loss, she managed to smile when speaking to reporters, reflecting both sadness and gratitude.
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Life Beyond Tennis
Kvitova, now 35, steps away from the game to focus on her family and life outside tennis. She is married to her coach, and together they welcomed their first child last year. Her decision to retire was shaped by the balance between motherhood, competition, and the physical demands of the sport.
A Lasting Legacy
Petra Kvitova will be remembered as one of the most respected players of her generation. Her two Wimbledon titles, her comeback after life-threatening injury, and her consistency at the highest level secured her place among the sport’s greats.
For fans, she will remain more than just a champion, she will be remembered as a fighter who showed courage, kindness, and grace both on and off the court.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
