Tennis-Emotional Kvitova calls time on career after US Open exit

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 1, 2025 Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova reacts after losing her first round match against Emma Navarro of the U.S. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova bade an emotional farewell to professional tennis on Monday after her first-round defeat at the U.S. Open, saying she was most proud of her resilience and major triumphs during a memorable two-decade career.

The 35-year-old Czech returned to competition earlier this season following a 17-month maternity break and announced ahead of Wimbledon that she would call time on her career at the end of the year's final major in New York.