PETRA KVITOVA is set to retire after the US Open – nine years on from the horror knife attack that left her career hanging in the balance.
Two-time former Wimbledon champion Kvitova, 35, has been a popular figure on the WTA Tour for more than a decade.
In December 2016, Kvitova was shockingly attacked in her own home by a man purporting to be a utility worker.
The Czech star suffered a deep laceration in her left hand and required urgent, career-saving surgery.
Five months of intense rehabilitation followed, before Kvitova was able to launch the start of what she calls her “second career” at the French Open in 2017.
The big-hitting lefty has since enjoyed a “second career” that most players would envy.
She reached the Australian Open final in 2019, narrowly losing in three sets to an inspired Naomi Osaka, before battling to the semis at the 2020 French Open.
Kvitova has won an incredible 31 career titles, including 12 since her traumatic knife attack.
In 2024 she took a break from the rigours of life on tour to have her first child, with son Petr born in July of last year.
The inspirational star returned to action earlier this year, but is now to call time on her brilliant career at the US Open.
Reflecting on her journey back to the top of the sport ahead of her final tournament, Kvitova told The Guardian: “I knew I was a big fighter on the court but at that time I realised how I am an even bigger fighter in a totally different version of myself.
“That was great, even though it was very tough to play tennis. I cried on the court, I had really bad flashbacks, I was having nightmares.
“So it really wasn’t easy. It took a while, but it’s all good now. There was a big question mark, can I play tennis or not?
“And I could. It was my second career. It was amazing.”
On her motivations for hanging up her racquet, Kvitova added: “I’m totally ready. I’m not regretting anything.
“I still love tennis but everything else, waiting for the practices, waiting for the car, waiting for a match, it’s just tiring.
“And having a son, it’s a totally different life. I just want to spend more time with him as well.”
New York will next week have a chance to wave goodbye to truly one of the great players of the last decade, and arguably the most inspirational.
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