Petra Kvitova, the renowned Czech tennis star and two-time Wimbledon champion, is preparing to bid an emotional farewell to professional tennis at the 2025 US Open, which begins on August 26. After an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Kvitova, now 35, is ready to hang up her racket and step into a new chapter of her life—one that promises more time with her young son and less of the relentless travel that has defined her journey on the WTA Tour.
Kvitova’s return to the WTA circuit in February 2025 was met with excitement and hope. Having missed the entire 2024 season after giving birth to her first child, fans and analysts alike wondered if the left-hander could recapture her trademark power and poise. Her comeback, though inspiring, has been marked by both moments of brilliance and clear challenges, as evidenced by her recent match record. As she steps onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows for one last campaign, the tennis world watches with bated breath.
It’s difficult to overstate Kvitova’s impact on the sport. Since turning pro in 2006, she has amassed 31 WTA titles—an impressive haul that could rise to 32 should she pull off a storybook ending in New York. At her peak, Kvitova soared as high as number two in the world rankings, dazzling fans with her fearless baseline play and signature left-handed serve. Her crowning moments, including those two memorable Wimbledon triumphs, have etched her name among tennis’s elite.
Yet, for all the glitz and glory, Kvitova has always been candid about the less glamorous side of life on tour. In her pre-US Open press conference, she reflected on the relentless travel that comes with the territory. "If I could change just one thing about tennis, it would be to not travel as much," she told reporters. "You cannot imagine how difficult it is to string together trips throughout the year, waking up in hotels sometimes not remembering where you are, and spending so much time in airports. It’s very challenging, and I believe the show would improve if we didn’t travel as much."
Her remarks resonated with many in the tennis community, especially those who have experienced the grind of the tour firsthand. The constant movement between tournaments, time zones, and continents can take a toll not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. For Kvitova, the prospect of more stability—and more precious moments with her son—proved irresistible. "I’m totally ready [to retire]. I’m not regretting anything," she told The Guardian. "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."
Kvitova’s final tournament will open with a first-round clash against France’s Diane Parry, a 22-year-old rising star making her debut against the Czech legend. The match promises a poignant mix of nostalgia and anticipation. For Parry, it’s a chance to test herself against a player she likely grew up watching. For Kvitova, it’s the last dance—a moment to savor every rally, every point, every cheer from the crowd.
The tennis world is already abuzz with predictions and speculation about this intriguing encounter. According to a recent analysis by The Wincomparator team, Parry comes into the match with the odds in her favor, boasting a 67.46% probability of victory. The prediction, made just days before the tournament, is rooted in both players’ recent performances. Kvitova, despite her legendary status, has struggled to find her best form in 2025. She suffered a 0-2 defeat to Emma Navarro at Wimbledon on July 1, as well as 1-2 losses to Beatriz Haddad Maia and Viktorija Golubic in June. Earlier in the season, she fell 0-2 to Sofia Kenin and was ousted by Katie Volynets in Madrid.
Parry, on the other hand, has enjoyed a string of solid results in the lead-up to the US Open. She secured a convincing 2-0 win over Amandine Hesse on August 16, and notched other victories throughout the summer, including triumphs at Wimbledon and the Hamburg Open. While she too has faced setbacks—falling to Sonay Kartal and Dayana Yastremska, among others—her recent form has been more consistent than Kvitova’s.
Still, tennis is a sport that delights in defying the odds. Who can forget Kvitova’s own improbable runs in the past, when she turned doubters into believers with her steely resolve and thunderous groundstrokes? As she faces Parry for the first and only time, the stage is set for a match that could swing in any direction. Will experience trump youth, or will the next generation seize the moment?
Regardless of the outcome, Kvitova’s legacy is secure. Her journey from a small town in the Czech Republic to the world’s greatest tennis arenas is the stuff of sporting folklore. The resilience she showed in overcoming adversity—both on and off the court—has inspired countless fans and fellow athletes. Her honesty about the challenges of the tour, especially as a new mother, has opened important conversations about athlete well-being and the demands of professional sport.
As the US Open gets underway, the spotlight will shine brightly on Kvitova, but she remains grounded and grateful. Her focus is clear: to savor every moment, to compete with the trademark passion that has defined her career, and to embrace the future with open arms. For tennis fans, her final bow is a chance to celebrate not just the titles and trophies, but the person behind the champion.
"I still love tennis," Kvitova reiterated, "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." These words, spoken with the quiet conviction of someone at peace with her decision, encapsulate the spirit of an athlete who has given her all to the sport she loves.
As Kvitova steps onto the court for her final tournament, all eyes will be on Flushing Meadows. Whether she bows out with another title or simply with the respect and admiration of her peers, one thing is certain: her legacy will endure long after the last ball is struck. The action is about to begin, and the tennis world waits to see how this remarkable journey will conclude.
