New York, August 26 (HS): Two-time Wimbledon champion and former World No.2 Petra Kvitova has announced her retirement from professional tennis following a first-round defeat at the US Open 2025.
On Monday at Flushing Meadows, the Czech star suffered a one-sided 6-1, 6-0 loss to France’s Diane Parry. Moments later, an emotional Kvitova confirmed at the press conference that it was her last match on tour.
The 35-year-old left-hander broke down in tears on court, embracing her husband and coach Jiří Vaněk. The couple became parents to a son, Petr, last July, after which Kvitova staged a comeback this season following a 17-month hiatus. She had already indicated earlier this year that the US Open would mark her farewell from tennis.
Kvitova leaves behind a decorated career: Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014, runner-up at the 2019 Australian Open, and a career-high World No.2 ranking.
Her journey also remains one of the sport’s most inspiring comebacks. In December 2016, she was attacked by an intruder at her home, suffering severe injuries to her playing hand. After undergoing surgery on her wrist and fingers, she stunned the tennis world by returning just six months later, winning her opening match at Roland Garros.
Reflecting on her achievements, Kvitova said: “I am proud of many things—especially my mental strength. To stay in the Top 10 despite injuries and illnesses is, for me, a very special achievement.”
As the curtain falls on her glittering career, the tennis world bids farewell to one of its finest left-handers—admired for her power, resilience, and grace on and off the court.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
