Petra Kvitová, one of the most accomplished players of her generation, has officially closed the curtain on her career following a first-round defeat at the US Open. The 35-year-old Czech, a two-time Wimbledon champion, lost 6-1, 6-0 to France’s Diane Parry on Monday in what she confirmed would be her final professional match. Kvitová revealed afterwards that she had contracted Covid-19 just three weeks earlier, which left her struggling physically. “My lungs are not really working yet,” she admitted, though she remained determined to finish her career on her own terms at a Grand Slam.
Kvitová announced her retirement plans earlier this year, choosing the US Open as her swansong. A touching on-court ceremony honored her remarkable achievements, which include 31 WTA titles, two Wimbledon crowns in 2011 and 2014, and a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Ranked as high as world No. 2 during her career, she recorded eight top-10 seasons and was known for her fearless left-handed power game, particularly on grass, where she won her final title in Berlin in 2023.
Beyond her victories, Kvitová was admired for her sportsmanship and character. She was voted by her peers to receive the WTA’s Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award eight times, more than any other player. “Throughout her career, Petra has competed with humility and resilience and thrilled audiences with her exciting brand of tennis,” WTA CEO Portia Archer said, adding that she will be “greatly missed by the WTA family and fans around the world.”
Her journey was marked not only by triumphs but also by resilience. After a 17-month break from the tour to give birth to her son, Petr, in July 2024, Kvitová returned earlier this year to compete once more. Over nearly two decades in the sport, she became the first player born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam, defeating Maria Sharapova at Wimbledon in 2011, and inspired countless fans with her fighting spirit through injuries, illnesses, and setbacks.
Reflecting on her career, Kvitová said she takes pride in her mental strength, longevity, and ability to thrive under pressure. “I’ve never been world No. 1, but those two Grand Slam wins are above the world No. 1,” she said. As she steps away from the game, she acknowledged that what she will miss most is the sport itself: “It’s a beautiful sport. Everything you do on the court, it’s your fault or your win. That’s the beauty of tennis.”
