"I always want to stay connected to tennis, but not as a coach," says Kvitova ahead of playing the final tournament of her career at the US Open

A big name in tennis is preparing to say goodbye. At 35 years old, Petra Kvitova will play the final tournament of her brilliant career at the US Open. A former world number 2, the Czech player has won 31 titles, including two Grand Slams, both at Wimbledon (2011, 2014).

Returning after her pregnancy in recent months, Kvitova did not achieve the success she had hoped for and now wishes to spend more time with her family. In a press conference before facing Diane Parry, the left-handed player discussed her final tournament and her broader relationship with tennis.

"It was clear that the time had come for me to say goodbye. I've had enough tennis in my life, even though I will definitely miss it. This sport has given me everything; I feel lucky to have experienced so much, far more than most people can imagine.

Being a professional player in a packed stadium, battling through ups and downs during matches, pushing myself beyond my limits… The last few years have been very full. I always want to stay connected to tennis, but not as a coach.

If I could change one thing about tennis, it would be to not travel so much. You can’t imagine how difficult it is to travel non-stop throughout the year, resting in hotels without sometimes even remembering where you are, and spending so much time in airports.

It’s a real challenge, and I believe the quality of the matches would be better more often if we didn’t travel so much," Kvitova shared in recent hours with Punto de Break.