Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber announced in her latest Instagram post that the 2024 Paris Olympics will be the final tournament of her tennis career. In an emotional message, the German reflected on all her previous participations in the Games, highlighting how each represented a significant phase in her professional journey and referring to the upcoming Olympics as “the finish line.”
The former world No. 1, who returned to competition at the start of the year following the birth of her first child, knows that leaving the sport is the right choice for her at this point, but it is not an easy thing to accept. “And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way,” Kerber admitted in her announcement. “Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.”
The 36-year-old Kerber sees the Olympics as more than just competitions; they symbolize different chapters of her tennis career: the climb, the peak, and now, the finish line.
During the London 2012 Olympics, she experienced her breakthrough season, steadily climbing the rankings and gaining self-belief. The excitement of new beginnings propelled her to new heights, especially after nearly giving up on tennis in 2011.
By the Rio 2016 Olympics, she had just won her first Grand Slam title in Australia, and her silver medal run was filled with emotions, leading to a second Grand Slam title in New York and reaching the top of the rankings. Although the following year was difficult, she learned valuable lessons, with Wimbledon 2018 becoming her biggest reward.
Now, the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark the finish line of her incredible journey. She is grateful for the support she has received and plans to soak up every moment of this final chapter on the court before expressing her thanks to everyone who supported her.
