THE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 1, 2025

Petra Kvitova

Press Conference

E. NAVARRO/P. Kvitova

6-3, 6-1

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. It's your last time here at Wimbledon, the place where you've had the greatest success in your tennis career. What do you remember from 2011, winning your first Grand Slam title?

PETRA KVITOVA: I do remember very clearly what happened out there. I wasn't, basically, favorite of any of the matches I played. Even I was playing the semifinal the year before, I lost to Serena. But it's totally different to play Vika and Maria back to back.

I do remember with Vika was three sets, I think. It was always big battles to play with her. I didn't play much with Maria.

To be honest, I don't know what the performance came from in that final. I was very grateful that it came in the right moment, that I served it out, as well, for the match.

That was something which I will never be able to describe because it was such a surprise, as well, for me. I couldn't notice what's happened and how quickly that turned my life and my career, as well.

I do remember the happiness I had when I was holding the trophy. I do remember my English wasn't in a good place either, so I was more nervous for the press conferences than for the matches.

I had a lot of the same feeling today with my speech on the court. It was a little bit better. So that's my memories (smiling).

Q. This was the place you had your best success. You're a taller player. Some players have said that can be hard on the grass. How did you manage to master the grass? What was the key to your success here?

PETRA KVITOVA: I think as a taller player, it's a little bit easier with the serve here on the grass, even the grass feels getting slower to me. So I think that's a little bit different compared to other years.

The serve was always big advantage of mine. I like to play serve and volley, as well, few times in the match. I think, on the other hand, it's tougher to get low when you're taller. That's the advantage of the smaller players. I think still, the body is hurting when you have to be so down. The glutes are like on the fire afterwards (smiling).

But the serve is very, very important here. You have to hold your serve till the end of the matches most of the time.

It remember playing Venus 2014, I think we had only one break point on both sides. That was everything about the serve. That's how I feel it is on the grass.

Q. Has the grass changed during your career here?

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, I think so. I'm not sure if it's only grass. Maybe it's the balls, as well. Overall it's getting slower. That's what I do feel.

Q. How was it feeling when you entered the court today and when you left it?

PETRA KVITOVA: I think both were very similar. It was the happiness. I was lucky to have a beautiful court in my last match, which happened on the Court 1, which I do have lot of memories, as well.

Even I entered, even I left, it was very, very special, emotional and happy place for me.

Q. What is it like to be a mum at Wimbledon? Are there the facilities and places to help people like yourself? Do you think more needs to be done to help women to carry on their careers?

PETRA KVITOVA: Well, I do feel same as before, as a mom, as well. I have my mom, who is helping me with a son. She is with him, like, all day.

I'm not really sure what Wimbledon can improve or not. We should ask her (smiling).

Yeah, it's different. On the other hand it's the same. Of course, when I'm relaxing at the house, the boy is there with us. Normal stuff, if I'm on the practice or preparing for the match, my mom has him.

It's a little bit different probably than me taking care of him whole day, which it's impossible to be playing and to take care of him all day.

There are always some compromise, which it is.

Q. You were just talking about 2011. How do you reflect on the young woman that won here and the way your whole world changed? How has Wimbledon shaped you as a person?

PETRA KVITOVA: I think Wimbledon was the main thing who shaped me through my career. As a person, as well. I would get along very, very nicely with the English people, with the sense of humor, as well. I do love it.

The main thing which happened to me in my life on the way from nobody I was somebody at that time. I was struggling a little bit, as well. But the second title was the best, as well. That was something which was kind of satisfying, as well, proving that I can play well and I'm a good player. Even I was in the top 10 for a pretty long time. The Grand Slams are the biggest trophy what we can have. To have two, especially Wimbledon, was something very, very special and honor to have.

I think it's the best tournament in the world, so... What else I can say?

Q. What's next? What is the next chapter for you?

PETRA KVITOVA: It's US Open. I see you there probably, right? That's US Open and that will be done.

Q. That will be your last tournament?

PETRA KVITOVA: Yeah, it will be the last tournament.

Q. Are you sure?

PETRA KVITOVA: I am sure. Did you see it today (laughter). My body, it's not in the good shape anymore, as well. Yeah, the motivation, it's different than it was before, so...

That's how it is. That's the life, I would say.