Former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has announced that she will hang up her racket after the 2024 Olympics.
The 36-year-old made the announcement on Thursday in a lengthy post on social media, thanking everyone who supported her throughout her career.
Kerber spent 34 weeks at the top of the world rankings and won a total of 14 WTA singles titles throughout her dominant career.
The German had taken leave from the court in 2022 and returned to the sport as a new mother in January 2024.
“The finish line. Before the Olympics begin, l can already say that I will never forget Paris 2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player,” Kerber wrote.
“And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way. Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and l’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me. The Olympics, l’ve participated in so far, have been more than just competitions as they represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player: the climb, the peak … and now, the finish line.
“The Olympics in London 2012 came at a time, when I had my breakthrough season on the tour. I was climbing the rankings steadily and every win helped me overcome my doubts & strengthened my self-belief. It all felt like new beginnings and I was carried by excitement to new heights.”
She made reference to a dark period of her life where she almost considered quitting 13 years ago before reliving her biggest successes on the court, including her Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.
“The year before, in 2011, I had almost turned my back on tennis and given up on my childhood dreams,” she said.
“When I arrived at the Olympics in Rio 2016, I had just won my first Grand Slam title in Australia at the beginning of the year. My silver medal run was embedded in a rush of emotions that led to my second Grand Slam title in New York and the top of the rankings.
“The descent in the following year was hurtful, but I learned my lesson and Wimbledon 2018 was my biggest reward.
“And now: Paris 2024 will mark the finish line of the most incredible journey I could have ever dreamt of growing up with a racket in my hand. There are many more things I want to say and people to thank, which I will do once I completed my last match … But for now, I will take the time and soak up every second of this final episode on court. Thank you all for your support – it means the world to me.”
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