Former world number one Angelique Kerber announced her retirement from professional tennis, making the upcoming Paris Olympics her final tennis event.
With her retirement announcement today, the number of players retiring at these Olympic Games is up to two, as Andy Murray will retire after the Games as well. For Kerber, it's not a surprising decision, all things considered, even though some might be caught by surprise. The German returned earlier this year from motherhood with the hopes of playing some really competitive tennis.
Unfortunately, reality set in rather quickly, as the German didn't play very competitively. She had some signature throwback performances, but for the most part, she was easily beaten by the vast majority of better players.
She's 7-14 so far this year, and with everything considered, it kind of made sense for her to call time on her career. Doing it at the games is a by-choice for Kerber because she remembers them fondly. For her, they are career chapters that marked very important moments in her life. That's why she opted to make them her final event.
“The finish line. Before the Olympics begin, I can already say that I will never forget #Paris2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player. 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 I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me. The Olympics, I’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.”
Writing further on social media, Kerber looked back at some of her performances at the Olympics and how they coincided with some of the biggest moments of her career. It was a nice trip down memory lane of a career that has been spectacular because she's the only active player who has won three of the four Grand Slams.
“The Olympics in #London2012 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. The year before, in 2011, I had almost turned my back on tennis and given up on my childhood dreams.”
“When I arrived at the Olympics in #Rio2016 🥈, 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.”
As she wrote, Paris is the finish line. It's here where the career ends, but it's not all sadness. She lived her dream in the most meaningful way, achieving more than she ever dared to dream. It's been a superb journey, and she looks forward to concluding it with her head held high.
“And now: #Paris2024 will mark the finish line of the most incredible journey I could have ever dreamed 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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