Another former top player has joined Andy Murray in announcing their retirement after the Paris Olympic Games.
The prestigious event gives players the unique opportunity to win a prestigious gold, silver or bronze medal rather than the usual trophies they win on the ATP and WTA Tour.
Given the magnitude and prestige of the Olympics, it is a fitting place to bid farewell from a particular sport.
Now it has been confirmed that a former World number one and Grand Slam champion will step away from tennis once their campaign has come to an end.
Angelique Kerber joins Andy Murray in announcing her retirement from tennis after the Paris Olympic Games
Following Murray confirming he will retire from tennis after his fifth Olympic Games, Angelique Kerber has announced she will do the same after her run in Paris.
Kerber returned to the tour at the start of 2024 following a year-and-a-half hiatus during which she gave birth to her first child.
She was part of the Germany team that won the United Cup in January, but has struggled to replicate the form that saw her claim three Grand Slam titles and become the World number one.
Therefore she has chosen to end her career which spanned 21 years and included 14 titles, one of which was an Olympic silver medal.
Kerber posted a lengthy statement on social media about her decision to retire, some of which read: “The finish line. 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.
“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 I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.
“The Olympics I’ve participated in so far have been more than just competitions as they represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player: the climb, the peak and now, the finish line.”
How are Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber’s tennis careers similar?
It is somewhat poetic that Murray and Kerber have chosen to announce their retirement from tennis after the same event given they recorded similar accomplishments during their careers.
Each player will finish their careers on three Grand Slam titles, and their first triumph at the majors came against an all-time great.
Murray defeated Novak Djokovic to win his first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2012, while Kerber claimed her first major at the 2016 Australian Open by beating Serena Williams.
Furthermore, both players ended 2016 as the World number one and also secured medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
After claiming the gold medal at London 2012 Murray successfully defended his title in Rio by beating Juan Martin Del Potro, while Kerber claimed the silver medal after losing to Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
