Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova bid a heartfelt goodbye to professional tennis after her first-round loss at the US Open on Monday. Reflecting on her career, she expressed pride in her resilience and major achievements over a memorable twenty years.
The 35-year-old Czech player returned to the tour earlier this season after a 17-month maternity leave. She had previously announced that she would retire following this year’s final major in New York.
Kvitova captured 31 titles, including Wimbledon victories in 2011 and 2014, and reached a career-high world ranking of number two. Her courageous return to the sport after suffering a severe hand injury during a home invasion in 2016 will also be remembered.
She was defeated 6-1, 6-0 in her last match by France’s Diane Parry, shedding tears during an on-court ceremony honoring her contributions to tennis.
“I think I’m proudest of many things, especially the mental aspect. The long seasons, managing injuries and illness,” Kvitova later told reporters.
“I’m very proud of handling the pressure and consistently being in the top 10. Although I was never world number one, my Grand Slam wins, especially at Wimbledon, mean more to me,” she shared.
Kvitova considered skipping the US Open due to COVID-19 but was determined to finish her career on her terms.
“I wanted to play here, to end the season in a Grand Slam, not because of COVID,” she added. “I’m very glad I did.”
Tennis Milestone for Hong Kong
Coleman Wong made history at the US Open on Monday, becoming the first Hong Kong man to win a Grand Slam singles match in the Open era with a straight-sets victory over Aleksandar Kovacevic.
The 21-year-old, who made it through qualifiers to reach the main draw, continued his New York success with a 6-5, 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) triumph at Flushing Meadows.
His win follows another achievement for players who train at Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca: Wong’s friend Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a Grand Slam singles match on Sunday.
“I’m still taking it all in. It’s a huge moment for me, my family, and Hong Kong,” Wong said after his victory, mentioning a congratulatory message from Spanish legend Nadal.
Draper Advances
Britain’s Jack Draper overcame a third-set challenge to start his US Open campaign with a win on Monday, defeating Argentine qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez 6-4, 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-2 in the first round.
This victory marked Draper’s first competitive singles match since his second-round exit at Wimbledon. Despite a solid start, he was tested, ultimately securing the win in three hours.
“It’s incredible to be here in New York. I wasn’t sure I’d make it this year, but my team and I worked hard since Wimbledon to get me back on the court,” said Draper, managing a left-arm injury.
“It wasn’t my best performance, but credit to my opponent. He played amazing tennis. I’m eager to improve and hopefully get better as the tournament progresses.”
