Three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber has come clean on her plan to retire from professional tennis after the Paris Olympics. Andy Murray will also treat the Games as his final competitive tournament and aim to finish with a flourish at Roland-Garros.
Kerber won the Australian Open, the US Open, ascended to the top of the world rankings and won an Olympic silver medal – all in a sparkling 2016. Two years later she added the Wimbledon title to her expansive list of accolades.
But having dropped outside the world’s top 200, 36-year-old Kerber has now decided to call it a day after the Games. Posting a heartfelt statement on Instagram, the German wrote: “The finish line.
“Before the Olympics begin, I can already say that I will never forget Paris 2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player. And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way. Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.
“Paris 2024 will mark the finish line 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 want to say and people to thank, which I will do once I completed my last match…but for now, I will take the time and soak up every second of this final episode on court. Thank you all for your support – it means the world to me.”
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Adidas Tennis responded with a classy statement of their own, which included: “As you reach the final chapter of an extraordinary career, we celebrate not just an exceptional athlete, but a true inspiration both on and off the court. Your legacy goes beyond the titles and medals; it’s in the hearts of the fans you’ve inspired along the way. Thank you for the unforgettable moments and the impact you’ve made.”
Kerber and Murray will both aim to go out on a high in Paris. Injury issues have blighted the last season of Murray’s career, and he has followed up his withdrawal from the men’s singles at Wimbledon by doing the same thing at the Olympics.
The 37-year-old will focus on playing doubles with fellow Team GB star Dan Evans. Murray boasts two Olympic gold medals, having taken the top prize in men’s singles at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
“I’ve take the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” Murray explained. “Our practice has been great and we’re playing well together. Really looking forward to getting started and representing GB one more time.”
Competitive tennis action gets underway in Paris on Saturday, with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek the top seeds in the men’s and women’s draws respectively.
