Petra Kvitova päättää uransa US Openissa – Wimbledonin kuningatar jättää jäljen tenniksen historiaan
In New York, under the bright lights of the US Open, Petra Kvitova’s extraordinary career came to its final chapter—and it ended not with a fairytale win, but with tears. The 35-year-old Czech star, twice a Wimbledon champion, was defeated in just 52 minutes by 21-year-old Frenchwoman Diane Parry, 6–1, 6–0. After the last point, Kvitova waved goodbye to the crowd, her eyes wet, knowing she had stepped off the stage for the last time as a professional.
This wasn’t just another early-round loss. It was the farewell of one of the defining players of 21st-century tennis. Kvitova had already announced before the tournament that the US Open would mark the end of her career.
A Career Written in Milestones—And in Courage
On paper, Kvitova’s accomplishments belong to the legends:
- 31 WTA titles
- Two Wimbledon crowns (2011, 2014)
- WTA Finals champion (2011)
- Nine WTA 1000 titles
- An Olympic bronze medal in Rio (2016)
- Former world No. 2
But her career was about more than trophies. In December 2016, Kvitova’s life changed in a terrifying instant when a knife-wielding intruder broke into her Prague home. The attack left her left hand—the hand she relies on for her ferocious groundstrokes—badly injured. Surgery was long and complicated; doctors weren’t sure she’d ever play again.
And yet, within months, Kvitova returned. She didn’t just return—she fought her way back to the highest level, reaching finals, lifting trophies again, and showing a kind of resilience that transcended sport. Watching her play after that was to witness more than points and games. It was to see courage in action.
Power on Court, Grace Beyond It
On grass, especially, Kvitova was a force of nature. A left-hander with a booming serve and heavy groundstrokes, she could dismantle opponents with ruthless ease. Her Wimbledon triumphs, particularly in 2014 when she produced one of the most flawless finals in memory, cemented her as one of the greats of the modern era.
Off court, though, she was something else entirely: calm, soft-spoken, approachable. Fans and fellow players alike admired her humility, her smile, and her genuine warmth. In a sport where temperaments often run hot, Kvitova carried herself with quiet dignity.
A US Open Full of Surprises
While Kvitova’s farewell was the emotional highlight of opening day, the US Open also delivered a shocker. Madison Keys—the reigning Australian Open champion and sixth seed—suffered a stunning first-round loss to Mexico’s Renata Zarazua.
It wasn’t Zarazua’s fireworks that carried her, but Keys’ unraveling. The American piled up 89 unforced errors, including 14 double faults. Despite hitting only eight winners across the entire match, Zarazua hung on to win 7–6 (10–8), 6–7 (7–3), 7–5—a career-defining upset for the 26-year-old.
What Petra Leaves Behind
When Petra Kvitova walks away from the game, she doesn’t just leave behind a resume filled with titles. She leaves behind a legacy. She showed the world that power and grace can live in the same player—that you can dominate with your game and inspire with your spirit.
Her Wimbledon victories will be replayed for years. Her comeback from a brutal attack will stand as one of the greatest survival stories in modern sport. And her farewell in New York was a reminder that every great career, no matter how glorious, eventually finds its end.
Tennis will march on with new stars, fresh rivalries, and different champions. But Petra Kvitova’s story—the blend of brilliance, perseverance, and humanity—will remain etched in memory.
In Short:
- Petra Kvitova ended her career with a first-round US Open loss to Diane Parry.
- Across her career, she collected 31 titles, two Grand Slams, and an Olympic medal.
- Her 2016 attack and remarkable comeback made her one of sport’s most inspiring figures.
- The day also brought a huge surprise: Madison Keys exited in round one at the hands of Renata Zarazua.
If you think back on Kvitova’s career, what stands out most? The sheer dominance of those Wimbledon runs—or the courage she showed by coming back stronger after her hand injury?