Three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber has announced her intention to retire from tennis following the Olympic Games in Paris.
The 36-year-old German, who held the world number one ranking, secured the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2016, followed by a Wimbledon victory two years later.
Kerber participated in the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she earned a silver medal in the women’s singles after losing to Puerto Rican Monica Puig in the final, and did not take part in the Tokyo Games.
“The finish line,” Kerber expressed on social media. “Before the Olympics commence, I can already share that I will always remember Paris 2024, as it will mark my final professional tournament as a tennis athlete.
“And while this may be the right choice, it will never truly feel that way. This is simply because I cherish the sport deeply and I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities it has provided me.”
Kerber made her return to the WTA Tour earlier this season after taking maternity leave.
She added: “The Olympics I have participated in thus far have meant more than just competitions; they symbolize different phases of my journey as a tennis player: the ascent, the peak, and now, the conclusion.”