Former world No. 1 and three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has announced that she will hang up her boots after the Paris Olympics.
The 36-year-old made the announcement in a lengthy social media post on Thursday, thanking everyone who has 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 during her illustrious career.
She retired from tennis in 2022 and returned to the sport as a new mother in January 2024.
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“The finish line. Before the Olympics start, I 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 while this may be the right decision, I will never feel that way. Simply because I love this sport with all my heart and am grateful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.
“The Olympics I have participated in so far have been more than just competitions, as they represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player: the climb, reaching the summit… and now, the finish line.
“The 2012 London Olympics came at a time when I was having my breakthrough season on the tour. I was climbing the rankings steadily and each win helped me overcome my doubts and boost my confidence. Everything felt like a new beginning and I was carried by the excitement to new heights.”
He referred to a dark period in his life when, 13 years earlier, he had almost considered quitting.
“The year before, in 2011, I had almost turned my back on tennis and given up on my childhood dreams,” she continued.
“When I arrived at the 2016 Rio Olympics, I had just won my first Grand Slam title in Australia earlier in the year. My run to the silver medal was set in a wave of emotions that carried me to my second Grand Slam title in New York and to the top of the rankings.
“The decline the following year was painful, but I learned the lesson and Wimbledon 2018 was my greatest reward.
“And now: Paris 2024 will mark the end 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 would like to say and people to thank, which I will do once I have completed my last match…
“But for now, I'm going to take my time and enjoy every second of this final episode on the field. Thank you all for your support, it means the world to me.”
