Wimbledon 2025 took a rare emotional turn on Day 2, as Petra Kvitova played her final match at the All England Club and left fans, legends, and even broadcasters in tears. The two-time champion was given a heartfelt tribute. Breaking the tournament’s long-standing post-match interview protocol, after falling 6-3, 6-1 to Emma Navarro.
In a moment that touched tennis fans around the world, legendary commentator Martina Navratilova broke down on live TV as she paid tribute to Kvitova. The Czech star’s graceful exit from Wimbledon was anything but ordinary.
Wimbledon Breaking Tradition for a Legend
Traditionally, Wimbledon only interviews the match winner on-court. But this time, they made an exception. After Kvitova’s early-round loss, on-court announcer Rishi Prasad addressed the crowd:
“Ladies and gentlemen… our normal protocol is to interview the winner. But on this special occasion, the last appearance in the main draw for two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Petra, we’d like to give you the opportunity for a few words.”
With a beaming smile and glistening eyes, Kvitova responded:
“To have another chance to play one more time here, it means a lot to me… I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon, and I won it twice. This is something very, very special.”
Navratilova in Tears
Perhaps the most poignant moment came as Martina Navratilova, herself a Czech-born tennis icon, was asked to reflect on Kvitova’s career. Choked with emotion, she said:
“It’s hard for me to talk right now… she’s just such a nice person on and off the court, a role model everywhere.”
The heartfelt tribute captured just how much Kvitova has meant to the sport—and to those who came before her.
A New Chapter Awaits
Kvitova, 34, had recently returned to competition after a 16-month hiatus to welcome her first child. She plans to officially retire after the U.S. Open later this summer.
With 31 career titles and two Wimbledon crowns (2011, 2014), her legacy is cemented. But her final walk across the iconic grass court was a reminder that in tennis, some losses are bigger than the scoreboard.
She ended her speech with gratitude, humor, and a sense of closure:
“I will miss Wimbledon, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans… but I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.”
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