Petra Kvitova, the Czech tennis star and two-time Wimbledon champion, has announced that she will retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The US Open in August will be her final tournament. Before that, she will make one last appearance at Wimbledon, a place she calls "special" and which holds some of the most cherished memories of her career.
Kvitova, 35, made the announcement on social media, stating that it was time for a new chapter in her life. "I am excited and very much looking forward to soak in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time," she wrote.
Kvitova's career began in 2006, and she quickly became known for her powerful left-handed groundstrokes and varied playing style. In 2011, she won her first major title at Wimbledon, defeating Maria Sharapova in the final. She was the first player born in the 1990s to win a Grand Slam title. Kvitova won her second Wimbledon title in 2014, defeating Eugenie Bouchard.
In addition to her two Wimbledon titles, Kvitova has won 31 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including the 2011 WTA Championships. She also won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her highest ranking was world No. 2, which she reached in October 2011. Kvitova has also been a key member of the Czech Republic's Billie Jean King Cup team, winning the competition six times.
Kvitova took maternity leave in 2024 after marrying her coach, Jiri Vanek, in 2023. She gave birth to her son, Petr, and returned to competitive tennis in February 2025. However, she found it difficult to balance the demands of being a mother with the rigors of the professional tennis circuit. In six tournaments in 2025, she has won just one match.
Despite the challenges, Kvitova is determined to end her career on a high note. She is particularly looking forward to playing at Wimbledon one last time. "I wanted to enjoy Wimbledon," Kvitova said. "I wanted to know, even for myself, that it will be my last one because it's so many memories I have, even the bad ones. Most important are the two great ones. It's always been my special tournament, and that's why I wanted to say it out loud before it starts". She will face Emma Navarro in the first round.
Kvitova's decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable career. She overcame a career-threatening hand injury sustained during a home invasion in 2016 to return to the top of the game. Her powerful game and fighting spirit have made her a fan favorite around the world.
"Tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love," Kvitova said. She leaves the sport with a legacy as one of the great players of her generation.
