Petra Kvitova confirms ‘new chapter’ as she makes huge announcement about her future

Oli Dickson Jefford 19 Jun 2025 2:58 PM

Petra Kvitova waves to the crowd.

Petra Kvitova has announced she will retire from tennis in 2025, calling time on her long and hugely successful career.

The Czech star was one of the most decorated and successful players of her generation, winning an impressive 31 WTA Tour titles and reaching world No 2 in the WTA Rankings.

However, the 35-year-old will probably be best remembered for her two Wimbledon triumphs, beating Maria Sharapova in the 2011 final and Eugenie Bouchard in the 2014 final.

Kvitova was also the runner-up at the 2019 Australian Open final, falling to Naomi Osaka, a French Open semi-finalist in 2012 and 2020, and a two-time US Open quarter-finalist.

The Czech welcomed her first child, a son named Petr, last summer and returned to action at the Austin Open in February 2025, losing to Jodie Burrage in her opening match.

She has struggled to recapture her best form since her return, winning one of just seven matches, including a three-set loss to Viktorija Golubic in the opening round of Roland Garros.

Kvitova was the only non-British wildcard announced by Wimbledon on Wednesday, with the 35-year-old not needing to use her protected ranking to enter the draw.

However, the Czech has confirmed it will be her final appearance at the tournament in which she won two Grand Slam titles, though it will not be the final event of her career.

In an emotional message on social media, the former world No 2 revealed her intention to play until the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the season.

She wrote: “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. And sure enough…somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more.

“I’ve been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player. From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world #2 ranking and so much more.

“I have accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I am so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years. It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life. I would never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport, and everything it has given me both on and off the court.

“As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now. I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional.

“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. And while I am not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I am intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer.

“While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment! 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.

“Through all these years, I am so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years.

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“I could not have asked or wished for anything more – tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.”

Among those to congratulate Kvitova shortly after her announcement was fellow Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who sent a touching message to the Czech on Instagram.

“What a lady you are Petra! Congratulations on your very successful career, the game of tennis will miss your smile,” wrote the former world No 1.

The Czech’s final Wimbledon campaign will get underway from June 30th, the start of main draw action.