Angelique Kerber to Retire After Paris Olympics
Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has announced she will retire following the Paris Olympics. The 36-year-old German has won majors at every tournament except the French Open, where she will conclude her career on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Kerber faces Japan's Naomi Osaka, a four-time major winner, in the first round.
“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,” Kerber posted on Instagram. “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 l'm thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.”
Kerber confirmed her retirement while speaking briefly on stage after the Olympic tennis draw. Men's and women's first-round play begins Saturday.
Kerber's career highlights include winning the Australian Open and the U.S. Open in 2016, a year in which she also reached No. 1 in the rankings and earned a silver medal in singles at the Rio de Janeiro Games. She added a Wimbledon title in 2018.
“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,” Kerber said. “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.”
International Tennis Federation president David Haggerty praised Kerber's career and contributions to the sport. “Her individual record speaks for itself and her 18 Billie Jean King Cup team nominations show just how priceless an asset she has been to Germany over the years,” Haggerty said. “She made her Olympic debut at London 2012, and I know that winning silver at Rio 2016 was a dream come true for her. So it is fitting that she will bring the curtain down on her career wearing her country's colors at Paris 2024.”
