Petra Kvitová secured her place in tennis history by winning her maiden major title at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships, becoming the first player of either gender born in the 1990s to achieve such a feat. Over the course of a professional career ending in 2025, she claimed 31 WTA singles titles and reached a peak ranking of world No. 2.
Early Development in Moravia
Born in 1990 in Bílovec, Czechoslovakia, Kvitová was the daughter of Jiří Kvita, a school teacher and mayor, and Pavla Kvitová. She grew up in the town of Fulnek, where her father first introduced her to tennis. During her formative years, she identified Martina Navratilova as her primary sporting influence. By age 16, she was encouraged to transition into the professional ranks, eventually working with coach David Kotyza starting in late 2008.
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Kvitová gained international attention after defeating world No. 1 Dinara Safina at the 2009 US Open. Her trajectory accelerated in 2011 when she won the Wimbledon final against Maria Sharapova, followed by a victory at the WTA Championships during her debut appearance. She secured a second Wimbledon title in 2014 by defeating Eugenie Bouchard. Across her career, she also reached the final of the 2019 Australian Open and reached the quarterfinals of all four major tournaments by 2015.
International Competition and Adversity
Representing the Czech Republic, Kvitová was a central figure in Fed Cup success, leading the team to its first title as an independent nation in 2011. She competed in four Olympic Games between 2008 and 2020, earning a bronze medal in singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her career faced a significant interruption following a knife attack during the 2016 off-season, which sidelined her for the first half of 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Bílovec
- Professional career: Until 2025
- Highest ranking: World No. 2 (31 October 2011)
- Major titles: 2 (Wimbledon 2011, 2014)
- Olympic participation: 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020
- Total WTA singles titles: 31
- Awards: Jiří Guth-Jarkovský prize
Questions readers ask
How many major titles did Kvitová win?
She won two major titles, both at the Wimbledon Championships in 2011 and 2014.
When did she retire from professional tennis?
Kvitová retired from professional tennis in 2025.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
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