Petra Kvitova Retires After Early U.S. Open Exit

Flushing Meadows, New York – Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova retired from tennis after suffering a 6-1, 6-0 defeat to France’s Diane Parry in the first round of the 2025 U.S. Open on August 25.

The match, held on the sparsely-filled Grandstand Stadium, marked a bittersweet end to Kvitova’s illustrious 18-year career. The 35-year-old Czech announced her retirement after an emotional on-court interview where she reflected on her journey.

“I wanted to put out a better performance, but it was tough to know that maybe it was my last one,” Kvitova said. “It’s been a long and amazing journey.”

Kvitova, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in 2011, won 31 WTA titles throughout her career. Fans will remember her not only for her titles but also for her resilience following a 2016 home invasion that left her with serious injuries to her playing hand.

During the match against Parry, Kvitova struggled significantly, winning just four points behind her serve in the second set. “Since I woke up this morning, I felt it. I felt it wouldn’t be good,” she added, showing her emotional state ahead of the match.

The crowd, though small, supported her as she played her last points, and after the defeat, she expressed gratitude for her moments on court and thanked those who supported her throughout her career.

This conclusion comes after a challenging year for Kvitova, who had not made it past the first round in any Grand Slam and dropped to 543rd in the world rankings. She expressed hopes to finish strong at her last U.S. Open, a tournament she called a “special place.”

As Kvitova waved goodbye to her fans and the sport she loved, younger players and fans alike celebrated her contributions to tennis, ensuring her legacy would not be forgotten.