LONDON — Petra Kvitova’s appearance at Wimbledon this year carries a poignant significance. Returning to the prestigious tournament known for her career-defining victories, Kvitova steps back onto the courts of the All England Club after taking a break last year for maternity leave. This visit is particularly emotional as it also marks her concluding performances at the grass-court Grand Slam, following her announcement that she will retire after the U.S. Open concludes in September.
At 35, the left-handed Czech has been a formidable player, clinching Wimbledon titles in 2011 and 2014. Now, as she prepares to bid farewell, the tennis community reflects on her impact. “It’s surprising to see her retiring,” expressed Aryna Sabalenka, the 27-year-old current top seed at Wimbledon, reminiscing about their earlier encounters. “I feel a bit saddened by the news. I saw the announcement and thought: ‘Why stop now? Keep going.’”
In what’s poised to be a nostalgic face-off, Kvitova’s first-round match is set against Emma Navarro, the tournament’s number 10 seed from the United States. “It’s going to be incredibly special to return,” Kvitova shared. “Wimbledon has always been my favorite tournament. The venue is filled with memories—some wonderful and some challenging. Yet, despite the tough defeats, winning here twice truly stands out.” Her journey at Wimbledon began timidly, with early exits in 2008 and 2009, but perseverance led her to the semifinals in 2010, and ultimately, to victory over Maria Sharapova in the 2011 final followed by a win against Eugenie Bouchard in 2014.
Adapting to the distinctive grass surface took time, Kvitova admits. “I had to adjust to the grass, but eventually found my rhythm,” she said. Formerly ranked World No. 2, Kvitova has slipped out of the top 500, a result of her recent hiatus and a challenging 1-6 win-loss record since her return in February. However, Wimbledon holds personal memories beyond her tennis endeavors. Her coach, Jiri Vanek, proposed to her at the venue, and now with their son Petr born during the 2024 Wimbledon fortnight, the venue also marks joyful personal milestones.
Reflecting on her nearly year-and-a-half absence from the professional tour, Kvitova remarked, “It feels like I’ve just had a brief pause. Being back feels natural, as if I never left the sport.” Despite the demanding travel schedule that comes with motherhood, Kvitova’s resilience maintains her competitive spirit. “Traveling with family is occasionally challenging, especially logistically. But having Petr with me is a joy; he’s well-behaved, which makes everything smoother,” she noted with a smile.
This transitional period towards retirement is filled with both nostalgia and excitement for what lies ahead. As Petra Kvitova gears up for her final rounds on the grand stage, fans and the tennis community are left to cherish and celebrate her illustrious journey.