New York, Aug 26 (AP) Petra Kvitova entered the U.S. Open's main interview room for her concluding post-match press conference as a professional tennis player. As she settled down, the two-time Wimbledon champion noticed something she hoped for—a box of tissues. “Tissues are here. Very good,” Kvitova remarked. “I'll try to be brave.” While addressing the media after a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Diane Perry in the first round at Flushing Meadows, the 35-year-old left-hander expressed a cheerful demeanor, occasionally smiling or chuckling at her responses.
The emotional tears that fell on the court immediately following the 52-minute defeat were no longer visible. Kvitova, who revealed she contracted COVID-19 several weeks prior and had considered withdrawing from the U.S. Open, hadn’t anticipated such emotional turmoil on Monday. “But since I woke up this morning, I felt it. I knew it wouldn't go well. I couldn’t eat, felt extremely nervous, but in a distinct way. I couldn’t move, couldn’t swing, couldn’t do anything,” she confessed. “It was really difficult knowing it would likely be my last match.”
After the match concluded with a wide backhand return, Kvitova erupted in tears. She went to the stands to embrace her husband, Jiri Vanek, who doubles as her coach. The couple became parents in July 2024, welcoming their son, Petr. Kvitova returned to the tour this season following a 17-month maternity hiatus.
Announcing earlier this year that she would end her career post-U.S. Open, Kvitova joined other notable tour members like 31-year-old Caroline Garcia from France. Garcia also retired on Monday after a hard-fought 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 loss to Kamilla Rakhimova. “Obviously, there's always more to achieve, and dreaming of obtaining more is inherent,” Garcia stated. “But I’m very happy and at peace with my decision to advance in life and close the chapter of being a tennis player.”
Kvitova claimed Grand Slam victories at Wimbledon in 2011 with a triumph against Maria Sharapova and in 2014, defeating Eugenie Bouchard. She also reached the Australian Open final in 2019, losing to Naomi Osaka and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 2.
In December 2016, Kvitova endured an attack at her home by an intruder with a knife, necessitating hours of surgery to mend nerves and tendons in her racket-holding left hand. She made a remarkable return to competition in less than six months at the French Open, winning her first match.
“I would be proudest of many things, especially the mental aspect," Kvitova shared. "Throughout all the seasons, I managed well, even amid injuries and illnesses. I am genuinely proud of handling the pressure and the numerous times I ranked in the top 10. Very, very special for me.” (AP) APA APA
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