Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has announced her plans to retire from tennis after the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The 36-year-old German, a former world number one, won the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2016 and claimed victory at Wimbledon in 2018.
Kerber secured a silver medal in the women’s singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics, losing to Puerto Rican Monica Puig in the final. She did not participate in the Tokyo Games.
“The finish line,” said Kerber on social media. “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.”
Kerber returned to the WTA Tour earlier this season after being on maternity leave.
She added: “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.”