Petra Kvitova Says Goodbye to Tennis at US Open

By Erik Gudris | Monday, August 25, 2025
Photo credit: Al Bello/Getty

Petra Kvitova, one of the most popular players and champions in the sport, said goodbye to the tennis at this year’s US Open.

The 35-year-old Czech star concluded her 21-year-career after France’s Diane Parry secured a 6-1, 6-0 win in their opening round match.

“I had hoped to put on a better show, but emotionally it was very tough,” Kvitova said afterwards.

Kvitova, who took maternity all last year after the birth of her son Petr, returned to the tour in 2025. Yet she won only one match in seven tournament appearances. Earlier this summer, Kvitova announced her retirement from tennis, which included a memorable and heartfelt ceremony at Wimbledon, where she is a two-time singles champion.

“It’s never easy to play this kind of match. It was an honor to play her at least once in my career,” the 22-year-old Parry said during the ceremony.

Kvitova’s career statistics are stellar including owning two major singles titles at Wimbledon (2011 and 2014), reaching the 2019 Australian Open finals, also being a two-time Roland Garros semifinalist, two-time US Open quarterfinalist, along with 31 WTA singles titles, and also reaching a career high World No. 2 ranking in 2011.

Kvitova suffered a horrific attack at her home back in 2016 when a man tried to stab her. She fought back and protected herself with her left hand, but endured significant injuries. However, Kvitova later made a full recovery and was able to compete once again.

“Throughout her career, Petra has competed with humility and resilience and thrilled tennis audiences with her exciting brand of tennis,” Portia Archer, WTA CEO said in a statement. “The fact that her player peers voted for her to receive the prestigious Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award on eight occasions says everything about her special place in our sport.

“She is a true champion, on and off court, who will be greatly missed by the WTA family and fans around the world. We wish her much joy and success in the next chapter.”

“It’s been a long and amazing journey,” Kvitova told spectators on the Grandstand court after USTA officials honored her with a ceremony and a commemorative photo.