Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has revealed she will retire from professional tennis later this summer. The former world No. 2 made her return to the court in February after taking a year off to welcome her first child. However, she plans to officially end her career following the US Open.
The All England Club announced on Wednesday that Kvitova will be the only non-British player to receive a wildcard for the women’s singles main draw.
She expressed her excitement about returning to Wimbledon one last time, saying she looks forward to soaking in its beauty before saying goodbye to the sport.
Since her comeback, Kvitova has recorded just one win—defeating Irina-Camelia Begu in Rome. She competed at the new WTA 500 event at Queen’s last week but fell in the first round to Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The Czech star then pulled out of this week’s Nottingham Open due to a right hip injury. Now, she is preparing for her final Wimbledon appearance before making her farewell at the US Open in Flushing Meadows.
Kvitova achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 2 in 2011 and reached that position again in 2019 after a runner-up finish at the Australian Open. A two-time Wimbledon champion in 2011 and 2014, she has captured 31 titles throughout her career.
The 35-year-old shared the news of her upcoming retirement in a heartfelt 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.”
