Petra Kvitova, the former world No. 2 and two-time Wimbledon champion, has announced that she is expecting her second child with her husband, Jiri Vanek. The announcement came via social media on Thursday, delighting fans and fellow players alike.
In her post, Kvitova expressed her readiness to embrace this new chapter of her life, stating, “I’m totally ready. I’m not regretting anything. I still love tennis but everything else, waiting for the practices, waiting for the car, waiting for a match, it’s just tiring. And having a son, it’s a totally different life. I just want to spend more time with him as well.”
The 35-year-old athlete welcomed her first child, a son named Petr, last year during the Wimbledon fortnight. After a brief return to competitive tennis following a 17-month maternity leave, Kvitova made her final appearance on the WTA Tour during the 2023 US Open. Unfortunately, she suffered a first-round loss to Diane Parry, marking the end of her professional career.
Kvitova’s journey in tennis has been marked by resilience and perseverance, qualities that have made her a beloved figure on the tour. She enjoyed a heartfelt farewell at Wimbledon, a venue where she forged her legacy with two titles. Kvitova has acknowledged the emotional and physical toll that competing at a high level can take, stating, “Mentally, I think I can’t do it any more, as well as emotionally and physically. You still remember how you played before… and suddenly, it’s not there.”
She garnered immense respect from her peers, having won the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award eight times throughout her career. Following her announcement, she received congratulations from numerous fellow players including Belinda Bencic, Sorana Cirstea, Carla Suárez Navarro, and Elena Vesnina, all highlighting her popularity and good spirit within the locker room.
As she prepares to welcome another child into her family, Kvitova reflects on her journey and the joys of motherhood that await her. Her future, filled with both personal and family milestones, marks a significant transition from the courts to her role as a mother. Little Petr, now 16 months old, is set to become a big brother, as confirmed by the joyful image she shared on Instagram. Fans and admirers look forward to seeing what lies ahead for this talented athlete beyond her illustrious career in tennis.
