Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion, revealed on Thursday her decision to retire following the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old tennis player from Germany has secured major victories at all tournaments except for the French Open at Roland Garros, where she will conclude her tennis career after the Paris Games. In her first-round match, she will be up against Naomi Osaka, a four-time major winner from Japan.
“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 posted on Instagram. “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.”
Kerber subsequently confirmed her retirement during a brief
on-stage appearance following the Olympic tennis draw. The first round of play
for both men and women commences on Saturday.
In 2016, Kerber achieved notable success by winning the
Australian Open and the U.S. Open, propelling her to the top position in the
rankings. Two years later, she further distinguished herself by claiming
victory at Wimbledon.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will be the culmination of an
extraordinary journey that I could have never imagined when I first picked up a
racket as a child. There are many more sentiments I would like to express and
individuals I would like to thank, which I will do after my final match. For
now, I will savor every moment of this final chapter on the court.