Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova brought her celebrated career to a close on Monday at the U.S. Open, bowing out with a straight-sets first-round defeat before an emotional farewell in New York.

The 35-year-old Czech, who announced earlier this year that she would retire after the tournament, fell 6-1, 6-0 to France’s Diane Perry in what proved to be her final professional match.

Kvitova admitted she struggled to contain her emotions from the moment she woke up. “I felt it would not be good. I couldn’t eat. I was really nervous … I couldn’t move, I couldn’t swing, I couldn’t do anything,” she told reporters at her last press conference. Spotting a box of tissues by her side, she quipped: “Very good. I’ll try to be brave.”

The loss was followed by a tearful scene on court as Kvitova embraced her husband and coach, Jiri Vanek. The couple welcomed their first child, Petr, in July 2024, with Kvitova returning to competition this season after a 17-month maternity break.

Petra Kvitova, left, of the Czech Republic and Russia’s Maria Sharapova hold their trophies after Petra Kvitova defeated Maria Sharapova in the ladies’ singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, July 2, 2011. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus, file)
Kvitova leaves the sport with a decorated résumé that includes Wimbledon triumphs in 2011 and 2014, a runner-up finish at the 2019 Australian Open, and a career-high ranking of world No. 2. Known for her powerful left-handed game and resilience, she also earned admiration for her remarkable comeback following a life-threatening knife attack at her home in 2016, which required extensive hand surgery. Less than six months later, she returned to competition at the French Open and won her first match back.

Reflecting on her career, Kvitova said she was proudest of her mental strength. “I think, especially, the mental side … I was quite OK to handle it, even with some injuries and sickness,” she said. “I’m very proud of how I handled the pressure, how many times I have been in the top 10. It was very, very special for me.”

For fans and fellow players, her exit marks the end of a career defined not only by titles, but also by perseverance, grace, and an enduring fighting spirit.