Emotional Kvitova Retires After US Open Defeat

Emotional Petra Kvitova Ends Career with US Open Defeat

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has played the final match of her illustrious tennis career, bowing out after a 6-1 6-0 defeat to France’s Diane Parry in the opening round of the US Open 2025.

The 35-year-old Czech star had announced earlier this year that New York would mark her farewell, bringing to an end an 18-year career filled with triumphs, setbacks, and remarkable resilience.

A Glittering Career of Success and Adversity

Kvitova captured the Wimbledon title in 2011 and 2014, reached a career-high ranking of world number two, and claimed 31 WTA Tour titles. Known for her booming left-handed serve and powerful groundstrokes, she became a fan favourite for her fearless style.

Her journey was nearly cut short in 2016 when an intruder stabbed her in the hand, leaving severe tendon and nerve damage. Remarkably, she made a comeback the following year and went on to reach the 2019 Australian Open final.

Emotional Goodbye in New York

Speaking after the match, Kvitova admitted the emotions had overwhelmed her:

“I wanted to put out a better performance but it was tough to know that maybe it was my last one. Since I woke up this morning, I felt it. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t move, I couldn’t swing. But I’m glad I did it.”

Although her return to the tour earlier this season following maternity leave yielded limited success, her farewell was celebrated by fans and peers alike as a fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most resilient champions.

Legacy of a Champion

Kvitova will be remembered not only for her achievements but also for her courage in overcoming adversity and her longevity in a sport where she remained a top contender for nearly two decades.

Her career featured:

• 2 Wimbledon titles (2011, 2014)

• Australian Open finalist (2019)

• Career-high ranking: World No. 2

• 31 WTA Tour titles

• Fan favourite comeback after 2016 stabbing incident

As she waved goodbye to the New York crowd, Petra Kvitova closed the curtain on an extraordinary career that leaves an indelible mark on tennis history.