In a poignant moment at the U.S. Open, two-time champion Petra Kvitova bid farewell to her professional tennis career on Monday.

The 35-year-old Czech player succumbed to a crushing defeat, falling 6-1, 6-0 to France's Dianne Parry in the first round on the Grandstand court—a match marked by emotional farewells and a sparse crowd affected by traffic chaos ahead of the 11 a.m. start time.

With tears in her eyes, Kvitova waved to the few fans who gathered, expressing her gratitude.

"Thank you guys for coming. I hoped I’d put on a better show today, but it was really tough to know that maybe it’s my last one," she shared, visibly shaken. "Emotionally, it was really tough. Thank you, New York, for an amazing Grand Slam. I’m very happy to be here for my last dance.”

Kvitova, who achieved Grand Slam glory in 2011 and 2014, has had a storied yet challenging career. After turning professional in 2006, she briefly reached the peak of women's tennis, holding the world No. 2 ranking. However, her journey was marred by a horrific knife attack in 2016 and a subsequent hiatus after giving birth to her son, Petr, in 2024.

This year, she struggled to find her footing, winning just one of ten matches.

Reflecting on her journey, Kvitova expressed gratitude to those who helped her along the way, including her husband and coach, her family, and former coaches. "It’s been a long and amazing journey. Thank you very much," she concluded, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and grace on the court.

As the tennis community mourns the loss of another star, Kvitova’s emotional retirement serves as a reminder of both the highs and lows experienced within this sport.

Her story will undoubtedly echo through the annals of tennis history, inspiring future generations of players.