Petra Kvitova’s legendary competitive tennis career ended in an emotional fashion at the 2025 US Open, as the two-time Wimbledon winner lost 6-1, 6-0 to Diane Parry in a 52-minute first-round encounter. The 35-year-old lefty announced this year that the US Open would be her final competitive outing.
Sitting in the post-match interview room, Kvitova noted the presence of tissues and smiled through her emotions. “I’ll try to be brave,” she said, reflecting the bittersweet nature of her final moments on the tour. Though the tears she shed on court had dried, the significance of the match was deeply felt.
Emotional Farewell on the Court
Kvitova said she’d been anxious since waking up on the day of the match, adding to a recent bout with COVID-19. “I couldn’t eat. I was super nervous… I couldn’t swing, I couldn’t do anything,” she said. When her final point came on a backhand wide, the veteran player sobbed and made her way to the stands to hug her husband and coach, Jiri Vanek. The couple had their son, Petr, in July 2024, a new development in her private life.
Although the short romance, Kvitova’s career is noted for its resilience, resolve, and the many achievements she made, such as Grand Slam wins and world rankings among the top.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Kvitova lifted the Wimbledon trophy twice, initially in 2011 by defeating Maria Sharapova in the final and again in 2014 by beating Eugenie Bouchard. She also lost the 2019 Australian Open final to Naomi Osaka as a runner-up and achieved her career-best ranking of world No. 2. Throughout a career that lasted more than 15 years, she always demonstrated her strong left-handed game and mental strength.
In 2016, Kvitova survived a knife attack in her home, which resulted in serious injury to her left hand. Amazingly, she was back playing professional tennis within five months at the French Open, winning her opening match back and delighting fans across the globe.
Reflections on a Remarkable Career
Discussing her legacy, Kvitova stressed the mental toughness needed to maintain success through so many seasons. “I would be most proud of many things… particularly the mental side. All the seasons, I was really fine to cope with it, even during injuries and illness. I’m really proud of how I coped with the pressure and how many times I have been in the top 10,” she added.
Kvitova’s career will not only be remembered for her titles, but also for her strength, sportsmanship, and capacity for overcoming adversity. As she walks away from competitive tennis, fans and players everywhere will honor the memory of a true champion.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
As Petra Kvitova bids farewell to professional tennis, her legacy goes beyond wins and rankings. From her memorable Wimbledon victories to her triumphant return following the 2016 stabbing attack, Kvitova has made a lasting contribution to the sport. Her retirement at the US Open signals the end of an era but the start of a venerated legacy that will forever inspire generations of tennis players to come.
