Petra Kvitova, 35, admits brutal reality about her game led to retirement decision

Petra Kvitova admits her game is “not there anymore” and she decided to retire after coming to terms that physically or emotionally she isn’t at the level where she needs to be to compete against the best.

Two years ago, the Czech was 33 when she won the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells and also lifted the main glory at the WTA 500 tournament in Berlin.

Half a year later, Kvitova announced in 2024 January that she was pregnant with her first child. After missing the entire 2024 season and the start of this year, the former world No. 2 returned to action in late February. Since then, the two-time Grand Slam champion has posted only a 1-7 record.

Kvitova, who is currently ranked at No. 540 in the world, announced recently that the US Open would be the last tournament of her career.

Petra Kvitova, 35, admits brutal reality about her game led to retirement decision

Kvitova: I remember how my game was in the past and it is not there anymore

“I’m ready to stop. Mentally, I think I can’t do it anymore, as well as emotionally and physically. You still remember how you played before, how everything was smooth and I was hitting winners and suddenly it’s not there. I’m totally ready [to retire]. I’m not regretting anything. I still love tennis but everything else, waiting for the practices, waiting for the car, waiting for a match, it’s just tiring. And having a son, it’s a totally different life. I just want to spend more time with him as well,” the 35-year-old admitted.

As mentioned above, Kvitova was still very competitive and successful just two years ago. But after being out of action for 15 months, she didn’t manage to come anywhere near her past form.

After kicking off her post-pregnancy comeback, Kvitova lost her opening four matches before beating Irina Begu in the Rome first round. Since then, the former world No. 2 hasn’t clinched a win.

Related articles

This is why a true American hero was given a sponsor’s invite into the ’25 Ally Challenge

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney believes in the concept of life he called the divine echo. It’s the idea that a meaningful coincidence points to a higher purpose…

10 golf traditions that need to change now

t here to critique the game’s sacred traditions. Our sport leans into its great history, dating back to the 15th century, so we’ve had plenty of time…

Here’s the prize money payout at the 2025 LIV Golf Team Championship

LIV Golf continues to lean all in on making team golf a thing, highlighted this week with the league’s season finale at the Cardinal at St. John’s…

Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley is incredibly stressed while facing the ‘biggest decision of my life’

Keegan Bradley plays his shot during the second round of the Tour Championship. ATLANTA — Keegan Bradley shot the most challenging bogey-free 64 of his career on…

Yes, Tommy Fleetwood is contending AGAIN in bid to end U.S. win drought

ATLANTA — Yes, Tommy Fleetwood can see himself winning the Tour Championship. With a share of the 36-hole lead—the second time in three weeks atop the leaderboard—he…

Change is coming: 5 major takeaways from new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp’s first address

Brian Rolapp’s words were measured, his tone unremarkable. But beneath the surface of the new PGA Tour CEO’s first major address ahead of this week’s Tour Championship…