Former world number one 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. Long social media postsShe expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout her career.
Kerber has spent 34 weeks at the top of the world rankings and won a total of 14 WTA singles titles during her dominant career.
The German player will retire from the court in 2022 and return to the sport in January 2024 as a new mother.
“The finish line. Before the Olympics even begin, 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.
“It may truly be the right decision, but it will never feel like it, just because I love the sport with all my heart and am grateful for the memories and opportunities it has given me. The Olympic Games I have participated in so far have not just been competitions, but represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player – the climb, the peak and now the finish line.”
“The 2012 London Olympics came at the time of my breakout season on Tour. I steadily climbed the rankings, and with each win I overcame doubts and grew more confident. It all felt like a new beginning, and the excitement carried me to new heights.”
After addressing a dark period in her life 13 years ago when she nearly considered retiring, she reflected on her greatest successes on the court, including Grand Slam wins at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open.
“Before that, in 2011, I had turned my back on tennis and was close to giving up on my childhood dream,” she said.
“Going into the 2016 Rio Olympics, I had just won my first Grand Slam title in Australia earlier in the year. My silver medal run was wrapped up in the high emotions that led to my second Grand Slam title in New York and my No. 1 ranking.”
“The following year’s slump hurt, but lessons were learnt and Wimbledon in 2018 was the biggest reward.
“And now, Paris 2024 marks the finish line of the most incredible journey that I ever dreamed of when I grew up with a racket in my hand. There are so many more people I want to say hello and thank, and I will do so after my last match… But for now, I want to take my time and enjoy every moment of my final episode on the court. Thank you all for your support, it means the world to me.”
