Wimbledon protocol broken with BBC pundit left in tears over emotional scenes
Wimbledon made an exception to its usual protocol as two-time champion Petra Kvitova played her final match at the All England Club. The former world No. 2 had previously announced her retirement plans, set for after the US Open later this summer.
Kvitova was granted a wildcard into Wimbledon and faced a challenging draw against No. 10 seed Emma Navarro. Despite an early lead, Kvitova was defeated 6-3 6-1, leaving BBC commentator Martina Navratilova in tears. Following the match, it was confirmed that Kvitova would address the crowd, breaking from the usual practice of only the winner speaking.
As Kvitova and Navarro shook hands at the net, fellow Czech-born tennis champion Navratilova was asked to pay tribute to the retiring 35-year-old, leading to an emotional moment on air, reports the Express.
"It's hard for me to talk right now, she's just such a nice person on and off the court, a role model everywhere," said the tearful retired icon.
Kvitova acknowledged her fans inside Court 1 as she crossed the grass to retrieve her towel. She then remained on Wimbledon's second-largest showcourt for one final interview.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all aware, our normal protocol is to interview the winner. But on this special occasion, the last appearance in the main draw for two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Petra, we'd like to give you the opportunity for a few words," Rishi Prasad announced.
As she approached the microphone, the twice Wimbledon champion expressed deep emotion: "Hi everyone, thank you very much for the beautiful atmosphere you made today, it was very special to play on this beautiful court. Congrats Emma on the win, good luck, I wish we could play a little bit longer but okay, whatever!
"To have another chance to play one more time here, it means a lot to me. This place holds the best memories I could wish for. I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon, and I won it twice, this is something very, very special.
"I will miss Wimbledon for sure, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans, but I'm ready for the next chapter in my life as well. I can't wait to be back as a member which is still very unreal for me, to come back here and see all you guys again."
Kvitova, who recently returned to the sport after a hiatus due to maternity leave, took a moment to honour those behind her successes, too.
"I didn't have many tennis coaches through my career. My first one was my dad, who is here today as well, and my last one is my husband," she joked, followed by some heartfelt words in Czech aimed at her nearest and dearest.
Having wrapped up her successful career with 31 titles, Kvitova shared her heartfelt thanks to everyone who had been a part of her journey before Navarro's closing remarks to both Kvitova and the audience.
The 10th seed paid her respects to Petra, saying: "Petra has had an amazing career and I told her at the net it was a pleasure to play her today. It was a little surreal to look across the court and see her over there serving bombs at me. I don't think you've lost any speed on your serve!
"It was a bit intimidating at times and I just want to say congratulations for all you've done in this sport. Good luck for the rest of the year and wherever this life takes you when you're done here, best of luck."
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