Tearful former champion Kvitova loses on Wimbledon farewell
The 35-year-old Czech announced last week that she will bring the curtain down on her career after the US Open in AugustKvitova could not hold back the tears when she was given a standing ovation by the crowdLONDON: Petra Kvitova’s Wimbledon farewell ended in an emotional defeat as the two-time champion was beaten 6-3, 6-1 by Emma Navarro in the first round on Tuesday.Kvitova returned from maternity leave in February following the birth of her son Petr in 2024, but found it difficult to handle the demands of being a mother on the gruelling tennis circuit.The 35-year-old Czech announced last week that she will bring the curtain down on her career after the US Open in August.Kvitova’s decision gave the former world number two, who has won 31 titles in her career, one last opportunity to return to the scene of her Wimbledon triumphs.But American 10th seed Navarro ruined her hopes of a long Wimbledon goodbye with a clinical 60-minute victory on Court One.Kvitova could not hold back the tears when she was given a standing ovation by the crowd, responding with a wave before drying her eyes.“It’s very special to play on this beautiful court one more time. I wish I could play a little bit longer but it’s OK, whatever” she said as more tears flowed.“This place holds the best memories I could wish for.
