Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova revealed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, that she will retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the 2025 US Open. The 35-year-old Czech star, known for her powerful left-handed game and infectious smile, shared the news via social media, reflecting on a 19-year career filled with remarkable achievements and personal triumphs.
Kvitova’s decision comes just a day after Wimbledon granted her a wildcard entry for this year’s tournament, a fitting tribute to a player who claimed the Venus Rosewater Dish in 2011 and 2014. Her 2011 victory over Maria Sharapova marked her as the first player born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam, while her 2014 triumph against Eugenie Bouchard showcased her dominance on grass. With 31 WTA singles titles, a career-high ranking of world No. 2, and six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, Kvitova’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the sport’s greats.
“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,” Kvitova wrote in her emotional statement. “And sure enough… somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more.” She expressed gratitude for a sport that has shaped her life, noting that while the decision to retire was not easy, it felt like a “happy moment.”
Kvitova’s career has been defined not only by her on-court prowess but also by her resilience. In 2016, she survived a traumatic home robbery that resulted in severe injuries to her left hand, requiring extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Her return to competitive tennis, culminating in a runner-up finish at the 2019 Australian Open, underscored her determination and love for the game. She also earned an Olympic bronze medal in singles at the 2016 Rio Games, further solidifying her status as a national hero in the Czech Republic.
After welcoming her first child, a son named Petr, in July 2024, Kvitova took a 15-month maternity break before returning to the tour in February 2025 at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas. However, her comeback has been challenging, with only one win in seven matches this season, against Irina-Camelia Begu at the Italian Open. Currently ranked No. 572, Kvitova will rely on wildcards for Wimbledon and likely the US Open, where she plans to bid farewell to her playing career. “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,” she said.
The tennis community has been quick to celebrate Kvitova’s contributions. Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, a 2013 Wimbledon finalist, called her career “incredible,” while the Tennis Hall of Fame praised her as “an incredible role model for generations to come.” Fellow Wimbledon champion Boris Becker sent a touching message on Instagram, writing, “What a lady you are Petra! Congratulations on your very successful career, the game of tennis will miss your smile.”
Kvitova’s final Wimbledon appearance, beginning June 30, 2025, promises to be an emotional occasion, as she is the only multiple women’s champion at the tournament since 1996, alongside the Williams sisters. While her US hardcourt schedule remains uncertain, she intends to close her career at Flushing Meadows, where she reached the quarterfinals twice. “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,” she wrote, encapsulating the joy and grace that have defined her journey.