'Those two Grand Slams are above the world number one': Petra Kvitova’s honest confession after US Open farewell

Petra Kvitova played her last professional match at the US Open, falling in straight sets to France's Diane Parry, 6-1, 6-0. The two-time Grand Slam champion concluded her career after a notable journey that puts her among the best players of the last few decades, with 31 professional titles—including two at Wimbledon.

The Czech star walked into her press conference still visibly emotional, reflecting on the match that marked the end of her career. She finished eight seasons inside the top 10 and a total of 12 seasons at least within the top 20. "I didn’t expect myself either," Kvitova said in press conference when asked about her visible tears on court. "Since I woke up this morning, I felt it would be not good. I couldn’t eat. I was really nervous, but in a different way. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t swing. I couldn’t do anything."

For Kvitova, the emotions were less about the present loss and more about the journey that brought her here. “I don’t think about today that much. I think it was the past, those years I’ve been playing pro, the years I’ve been a small kid playing in my small city since I was four. It was a long journey to get to the top hundred and then really up, up.”

The career of the gentle left-hander has been defined by resilience, power, and grace. She spent more than a decade under the spotlight as one of the most consistent players in the world, peaking at world No. 2, and collecting 31 singles titles along the way. But with the glory also came the weight of expectation.

“It was many years playing under the pressure, being top ten for a long time. Being a Grand Slam champion, it’s great pressure to have, for sure,” she admitted. “It was a lot of pressure overall in my tennis career, on and off the court. But I enjoyed it. I think I did quite well.”

When asked what she was proudest of, Kvitova didn’t hesitate: “I would be proudest of many things. Especially the mental side. All the long seasons, even with injuries and sickness. I’m very proud of how I handled the pressure, how many times I’ve been in the top ten. Even though I’ve never been world number one, I think still those two Grand Slams are above the world number one. Especially the Wimbledon ones. I’m proud of many, many things.”

The two-time Wimbledon champion leaves the game knowing she left her mark, but also with an appreciation for the sport itself. “What I’m going to miss will be the tennis itself. It’s a beautiful sport and everything you do on the court, it’s your fault or your win. That’s the beauty of the sport. And some people as well, of course, some opponents and people in the WTA, ATP, all the Grand Slams who took care of us. They’re great. I’ll miss them too, but I’ll be around at some point.”

Still, not everything will be missed. With a smile, she admitted: “Those nerves I had today before the match—I think I won’t miss that. The traveling, for sure. The traveling is the worst.”

Her farewell was not without complications. Just weeks before the tournament, Kvitova tested positive for COVID, leaving her physically weakened. “Three weeks ago, I got COVID. It hit me really badly. My physicality wasn’t great. My lungs are not really working yet. I did have thoughts about not even playing here. But I wanted to finish with a Grand Slam, not because COVID told me to stop. So yes, I’m glad I played.”

As for the future, Kvitova laughed at the idea of making a comeback: “When I’m 40 or 42? No, I don’t think so. Maybe I will be bored, but maybe you’ll see me playing some legends at Wimbledon. I would love to play with Martina [Navratilova]. That’s another goal.”

With that, the Czech champion wrapped up her final US Open press conference. One of the most beloved figures on tour, she leaves behind not just trophies, but also a legacy of resilience and class that will echo long beyond her last swing.