'The finish line': Former world No.1 Angelique Kerber set to retire after Paris 2024
Former world No.1 Angelique Kerber has announced she will retire from professional tennis after the conclusion of Paris 2024.
The three-time grand slam winner and Olympic silver medallist took a step away from the sport in 2022 after falling pregnant, but returned earlier this year in the United Cup.
She was most recently eliminated from Wimbledon - an event she won during her career - in straight sets during the first round of the tournament.
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Kerber will again represent Germany at this year's Games, but took to social media to reveal that would her swansong.
Angelique Kerber. Getty
"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," she said via Instagram on Thursday.
"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.
Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
"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.
"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. Thank you all for your support - it means the world to me."
Kerber captured silver in Rio and while her chances of winning a medal in Paris appear to be slim given receive results, she will finish up at Roland Garros - the only place she failed to win a singles grand slam during her career.
The 36-year-old won the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, while her other major victory at Wimbledon came two years later in 2018.
