Career Timeline of Petra Kvitová: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Petra Kvitová built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Petra Kvitová is a Czech professional tennis player celebrated for her powerful left-handed groundstrokes and versatile playing style. She has amassed 31 career singles titles, with two major victories at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014. Representing the Czech Republic, she secured a bronze medal in singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Kvitová reached her highest career ranking of world No. 2 on October 31, 2011, solidifying her status as one of the top players in women's tennis.
1996: First Czech Olympic Medal in Singles Since 1996
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, Kvitová won the bronze medal, becoming the first Czech player to win an Olympic medal in singles since Jana Novotná in 1996.
2004: Comparison to Elena Dementieva
In 2004, Kvitová was compared to Elena Dementieva, who had multiple winless appearances at the tournament in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
2005: Comparison to Elena Dementieva
In 2005, Kvitová was compared to Elena Dementieva, who had multiple winless appearances at the tournament in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
2006: Comparison to Elena Dementieva
In 2006, Kvitová was compared to Elena Dementieva, who had multiple winless appearances at the tournament in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
2006: ITF Singles Titles
Throughout 2006 and 2007, Kvitová captured six ITF singles titles, four of which came in her home nation.
July 2007: Junior World No. 27 Ranking
On 9 July 2007, Kvitová achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 27 as a junior.
2007: WTA Tournament Debut and Fed Cup Debut
In 2007, Kvitová attempted to qualify for a WTA tournament at the Prague Open and made her Fed Cup debut, playing alongside Barbora Strýcová in doubles.
2008: First WTA Victory, Top-10 Win, and Olympics Debut
In 2008, Kvitová achieved her first WTA main-draw victory in Paris, her first top-10 win against Venus Williams in Memphis, and made her Olympics debut at the Beijing Olympics.
2008: First Meeting with Venus Williams
In 2008, Petra Kvitová shocked Venus Williams in the opening round at Memphis, securing her maiden top-10 career win.
January 2009: Titles Across Three Decades
In 2021, Kvitová won titles across three decades, dating back to her maiden career title at Hobart in January 2009.
2009: US Open Fourth Round
At the US Open, in 2009, she reached the fourth round for the first time since 2009.
2009: Defeated Dinara Safina at US Open
In 2009, Kvitová gained notice by defeating then-world No. 1 Dinara Safina in the third round of the US Open.
2009: Maiden Career Title and US Open Victory Over Safina
In 2009, Kvitová won her maiden career title at the Hobart International and defeated then-world No. 1 Dinara Safina at the US Open.
2009: Semifinal Win at Linz Open
In 2009, Petra Kvitová won against Agnieszka Radwańska in straight sets at the semifinals of the Linz Open, marking their first professional encounter.
2009: First Wimbledon Opening Round Defeat Since 2009
In 2018, Kvitová bowed out in the first round of Wimbledon. It was her first defeat in the opening round of the tournament since 2009, and 2018 also marks the first season since 2009 where she suffered multiple opening-round exits at the Grand Slam tournaments.
2009: No quarterfinal
In 2022, for the first time since 2009, Kvitová did not reach a quarterfinal at the Grand Slams in two consecutive years.
2009: First Season Without a Grand Slam Quarterfinal Since 2009
The 2016 US Open loss meant Kvitová failed to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal in a season for the first time since 2009.
2010: Wimbledon Semifinal Appearance
In 2010, Kvitová reached her first major semifinal at the Wimbledon Championships.
2010: Wimbledon Semifinals and Top 40 Finish
In 2010, Kvitová reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and recorded her first top 40 finish, being named WTA Newcomer of the Year.
2010: First Meeting with Sharapova
In 2010, Maria Sharapova won against Petra Kvitová in straight sets in the semifinals of Memphis, marking their first professional encounter.
2010: First Time Since 2010 Without a Premier Title
In 2017, Kvitová's loss at the China Open meant that for the first time since 2010, she did not win a Premier Mandatory or Premier 5 title during a season.
2010: First Season Without a Title
In 2020, Kvitová did not win a title, which was the first time since 2010 that she did not win a title during the season.
2010: Earliest defeat
In 2022, Kvitová had her earliest defeat since 2010, in the Canadian Open.
2010: Winning Rate Below 60%
In 2022, Petra Kvitová's season winning rate dropped below 60% for the first time since 2010.
2010: 50th Grand Slam Since 2010
In 2023, at the US Open, 11th seed Kvitová recorded her 50th consecutive appearance at the Grand Slams as a seeded player – having never missed out on a seeding at this stage of competition since her first such at this same event in 2010.
2010: Unseeded at a Premier Event for the First Time Since 2010 Kremlin Cup
Kvitová started 2018 in Sydney, unseeded at a Premier event for the first time since the 2010 Kremlin Cup, after withdrawing from Brisbane due to a viral illness.
January 2011: Fell Out of Top 20 Rankings For First Time Since January 2011
Due to not qualifying for the WTA Elite Trophy where she was the defending champion, Kvitová fell out of the top 20 rankings for the first time since January 2011.
January 2011: Ranking Low
In 2022, Kvitová's ranking fell to a 12-year low of world No. 34 after Madrid, which is also her equal-lowest ranking since January 2011.
May 2011: Lowest Ranking Since May 2011
Entering the clay court swing in 2016, Kvitová dropped to world No. 12, her lowest ranking since May 2011.
May 2011: Ranking Drop Outside Top 10
In May 2011, Kvitová dropped out of the top 10 rankings for the first time since May 2011 after losing in the third round of the US Open to Alison Riske.
October 2011: Career-High Ranking Achieved
On 31 October 2011, Petra Kvitová achieved her career-high ranking of world No. 2.
2011: Hopes of Qualifying for WTA Finals Ended in 2011
After the loss to Keys at the 2016 China Open, Kvitová's hopes of qualifying for the WTA Finals ended, having recorded five straight appearances at the event dating back to 2011.
2011: Kvitová Not a Top 10 Seed Since 2011
At the 2016 US Open, Kvitová was not a top 10 seed for the first time since the 2011 Australian Open.
2011: Multiple Clashes with Radwańska
In 2011, Kvitová and Radwańska faced each other twice. First, Kvitová defeated Radwańska in the quarterfinals of Eastbourne after coming back from a set down. Later in 2011, Kvitová won in straight sets during the round-robin stage of the WTA Tour Championships.
2011: First Major Title at Wimbledon
In 2011, Kvitová won her first major title at Wimbledon, becoming the first player of either gender born in the 1990s to win a major.
2011: Brisbane Title and Australian Open Quarterfinal
In 2011, Kvitová won her second career title at the Brisbane International and reached her first quarterfinal at the Australian Open, debuting in the top 20 rankings.
2011: Tour Championships Win, Fed Cup Title, and WTA Awards
In 2011, Kvitová won the Tour Championships, helped the Czech Republic win its maiden Fed Cup title, and was named WTA Player of the Year, WTA Most Improved Player of the Year and ITF World Champion.
2011: First Encounters with Li Na
In 2011, Petra Kvitová and Li Na faced each other twice, the first being the semifinals of the Madrid Open which Kvitová won in straight sets. Later that month, Li exacted revenge in the fourth round of the French Open, winning the title afterward.
2011: Wins Against Sharapova
In 2011, Petra Kvitová claimed two wins over Maria Sharapova. One was in the final of the Wimbledon Championships in straight sets and the other in the semifinals of the Pan Pacific Open via retirement.
2011: First Time More Than Two Titles in a Season Since 2011
In 2014, after winning the Wuhan Open, it marked the first time since 2011 that Kvitová had won more than two titles in a season.
2011: First Round Exit at the US Open in 2011
In 2014, during the Australian Open, Kvitová exited a Grand Slam tournament in the opening round for the first time since the 2011 US Open.
2011: First Title Indoors Since 2011
In 2016, Kvitová won the WTA Elite Trophy, lifting her first title indoors since winning the WTA Finals in 2011.
2011: First International-Level Title Since Linz 2011
In 2018, Kvitová won the title in Prague, her first title on home soil. It was her first International-level tournament win since Linz in 2011.
2011: Brisbane International Semifinal
In 2020, Kvitová achieved her best result at the Brisbane International since winning the title in 2011, by reaching the semifinals.
2011: Quarterfinal Stage in First Three Tournaments
In 2020, Kvitová made at least the quarterfinal stage in her first three tournaments of the season for the first time since 2011.
2011: Returned to the last four
In 2022, Kvitová dispatched Harriet Dart to return to the last four in Eastbourne for the first time since 2011.
February 2012: Returned to World No. 2 Ranking in February 2012
Following the 2015 French Open, Kvitová returned to the world No. 2 ranking for the first time since February 2012.
May 2012: First Loss to a Czech Player Since May 2012
In 2018, Kvitová lost her opener in Charleston to Kristýna Plíšková, marking her first loss to a Czech player since May 2012, ending a run of 24 consecutive wins against her compatriots.
2012: First Second Week at Australian Open Since 2012
At the 2019 Australian Open, Kvitová reached the second week for the first time since 2012.
2012: Return to Top 5 Ranking in 2012
Following her Wimbledon victory, Kvitová rose to world No. 4 in 2012, returning to the top 5 rankings for the first time since 2012.
2012: Fed Cup Title Defence
In 2012, Kvitová helped the Czech team to defend its Fed Cup title.
2012: Australian and French Open Semifinals
In 2012, Kvitová reached the semifinals of the Australian and French Opens and was crowned the US Open Series champion.
2012: Hopman Cup Win and Australian Open Semifinal
In 2012, Kvitová won the Hopman Cup with Tomáš Berdych and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open.
2012: Matches Against Li Na
In 2012, Li Na beat Petra Kvitová in the semifinals of Sydney, denying Kvitová the No. 1 ranking. Later that year, Kvitová won against Li in the Montreal final, ending a 10-month title drought.
2012: First Meeting with Barty
In 2012, Petra Kvitová defeated Ashleigh Barty in straight sets at the French Open during Barty's maiden Grand Slam main draw appearance.
2012: First Semifinal at the Tournament Since 2012
In 2016, Kvitová made her first semifinal at the Stuttgart tournament since 2012 but lost to Angelique Kerber.
2012: Multiple Grand Slam Quarterfinals
In 2020, Kvitová reached multiple Grand Slam quarterfinals in a season for the first time since 2012, also guaranteeing her return to the top 10.
2012: First Semifinal Since 2012
In August 2018, Kvitová reached her first semifinal of the Cincinnati tournament since 2012, returning to the top 5 rankings as a result.
September 2013: Drops Out of Top 10 in September 2013
Entering the clay court swing in 2016, Kvitová dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since September 2013, landing at world No. 12.
2013: Australian Open and Open GdF Suez Results
In 2013, Kvitová participated in the Australian Open where she lost in the second round, and in the Open GdF Suez where she reached the quarterfinals.
2013: Two Straight-Set Wins Against Radwańska
In 2013, Kvitová secured two straight-set victories over Agnieszka Radwańska, one in the quarterfinals of Dubai and the other in the round-robin stage of the WTA Tour Championships.
2013: Kvitová's 2013 Season
In 2013, Kvitová won her 11th career title at the Pan Pacific Open, defeating Angelique Kerber. She qualified for the Tour Championships and reached the semi-finals. She was also awarded the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award for the second time.
2013: Tokyo Semifinal Win
In 2013, Petra Kvitová secured a win against Venus Williams in the Tokyo semifinals.
2013: Consecutive Wins in Dubai for the First Time Since 2013
In 2019, at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Kvitová recorded consecutive wins for the first time since 2013. The loss in the final marked the first time since 2013 where Kvitová lost back-to-back finals.
2014: First Grand Slam Final Since 2014
At the 2019 Australian Open, Kvitová advanced to her first Grand Slam final since 2014.
2014: Kvitová's 2014 Season Start
In 2014, Kvitová started the year at the Hopman Cup with Radek Štěpánek. She reached the semifinals in Sydney but lost to Tsvetana Pironkova. She exited the Australian Open in the first round, her first opening round Grand Slam exit since the 2011 US Open.
2014: Second Wimbledon Title
In 2014, Kvitová won her second major title at Wimbledon, defeating Eugenie Bouchard in the final.
2014: Two Wins Against Venus Williams
In 2014, Petra Kvitová secured two wins against Venus Williams, one in the second round of Doha and the other in the third round of the Wimbledon Championships.
2014: Last Quarterfinal on Grass Since 2014 Wimbledon Championships
In 2017, she reached her first quarterfinal of 2017, which was also her first on grass since the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. After that quarterfinal, she won the tournament.
2014: First Wimbledon Second Week Appearance Since 2014 Win
In 2019, Kvitová reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, her first appearance in the second week since winning the title in 2014.
2014: Consecutive Quarterfinal Appearances
In 2020, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open marked Kvitová's consecutive quarterfinal appearances at a Grand Slam since the 2014 Wimbledon Championships.
2014: Highest Count Since 2014
In 2022, Kvitová ended her grass exploits with seven wins on the surface, her highest such count since 2014.
January 2015: Global Athlete Ambassador
In January 2015, Right To Play named Petra Kvitová as its Global Athlete Ambassador.
June 2015: Returned to World No. 2 Since June 2015
After the 2019 Australian Open tournament, Kvitová returned to the world No. 2 ranking for the first time since June 2015.
2015: Win and Loss Against Radwańska
In 2015, Kvitová avenged her loss to Radwańska from the previous year by winning in the semifinals of New Haven. However, Radwańska won their match in the final of the 2015 WTA Finals.
2015: Reached Quarterfinals of All Four Majors
In 2015, Kvitová reached at least the quarterfinals of all four majors after her quarterfinal debut at the US Open.
2015: Kvitová's 2015 Season Start
In 2015, Kvitová started the season in Shenzhen, losing in the semifinals. She won the title in Sydney, defeating Karolína Plíšková. She was upset by Madison Keys in the third round of the Australian Open.
2015: Losing Streak Extends at WTA Finals
In 2015, Kvitová's losing streak at the WTA Finals extended to seven matches, dating back to her loss in the 2015 final to Agnieszka Radwańska.
2015: Second Successful Title Defence After the 2015 Connecticut Open
In 2018, Kvitová won her 25th career title at the Birmingham Classic, which was also the second successful title defence of her career after the 2015 Connecticut Open.
2015: First Fed Cup Match Win Since 2015 Final
In 2018, the Fed Cup tie against Switzerland marked the first time since the 2015 final against Russia where Kvitová won a Fed Cup match.
2015: First Quarterfinal on Australian Soil Since 2015
In 2019, Kvitová reached her first quarterfinal on Australian soil since winning here in 2015 at the Sydney tournament.
2015: Grand Slam Quarterfinal in Consecutive Years
In 2020, Kvitová made a Grand Slam quarterfinal in consecutive years for the first time since 2015.
2015: First Appearance at WTA Finals Since 2015
On 4 October 2018, Kvitová made her first appearance at the WTA Finals since 2015, seeded fourth. She ended the year ranked world No. 7, her first top 10 finish since 2015.
2015: Multiple Second Week Appearances Since 2015
Returning to competition at Wimbledon after a six-week layoff, sixth-seeded Kvitová cruised to the fourth round, her first appearance in the second week here since winning the title in 2014, thus making multiple second week appearances at the Grand Slams for the first time since 2015.
June 2016: Returns to Top 10 for First Time Since June 2016
In 2018, Kvitová captured her 22nd career title at the Qatar Open, guaranteeing her return to the top 10 for the first time since June 2016.
2016: WTA Elite Trophy Win
In 2016, Kvitová won the WTA Elite Trophy on her debut.
2016: First Appearance at Italian Open Since 2016
In 2019, Kvitová made her first appearance at the Italian Open since 2016.
2016: First Top-20 Finish Since 2016
In 2021, Kvitová ended the year ranked world No. 17, her first top-20 finish since 2016 and second of her career in total.
2016: Title Win Without Loss of Set Since 2016
In 2023, at the German Open, Kvitová defeated Vekić in straight sets for the third time in the past 12 months, thus winning a title without the loss of a set for the first time since 2016.
2016: Middle East Performance in 2016
In February of 2023, Petra Kvitová had consecutive last-16 exits in Doha and Dubai, marking the first time since 2016 she failed to reach a quarterfinal in the Middle East.
2016: Kvitová's 2016 Season Struggles
Kvitová had a slow start to 2016 due to illness and split with coach David Kotyza. She lost both singles matches in the Fed Cup opening round tie against Romania but the Czech team moved on to the semi-finals. She reached a quarterfinal at Indian Wells but suffered an early loss in Miami.
May 2017: Return to Competition
On May 23, 2017, Petra Kvitová announced her return to competition at the Wimbledon Championships and later confirmed her participation at the French Open, marking her return where she won her opening match.
2017: Victory in Birmingham
In 2017, Petra Kvitová came back from a set down to defeat Ashleigh Barty in the final of Birmingham, claiming the title.
2017: Wins 20th Career Title at Birmingham Classic
In 2017, Petra Kvitová won her 20th career title at the Birmingham Classic, defeating Ashleigh Barty in three sets in the final after a strong run in the tournament.
2017: US Open win
In 2022, Kvitová scored her first win over a top 10 player at the Grand Slams in five years when she beat Garbiñe Muguruza in the third round - a rematch of their last 16 meeting here in 2017.
2017: Comeback to Competition in 2017
In May 2017, Kvitová announced she would return to competition at the French Open, ahead of schedule after recovering from the injuries sustained in the 2016 attack.
February 2018: Dropped out of Top 10
In February 2018, Kvitová dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since February 2018 after failing to defend her runner-up result.
2018: Biggest Title Since 2018
At the Miami Open, Kvitová won her biggest title since Madrid 2018, marking her 30th title overall.
2018: Kvitová Snaps Losing Streak Against Radwańska
In 2018, Kvitová ended her losing streak against Radwańska by winning their second-round match in Doha in three sets, and their opening-round match in New Haven in straight sets; this was their final encounter.
2018: Title Defence and Opening Round Loss at Wimbledon in 2018
In 2018, Kvitová won her 25th career title at the Birmingham Classic, also the second successful title defence of her career. She then bowed out in the first round of Wimbledon, and 2018 also marks the first season since 2009 where she suffered multiple opening-round exits at the Grand Slam tournaments.
2018: Wins St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy and Fed Cup Matches
In 2018, Kvitová won the St. Petersburg Ladies' Trophy, becoming the first left-handed player to win a singles title in Russia. She also won her singles matches in the Fed Cup against Switzerland.
2018: Doha Final Rematch
In 2021, Kvitová reached her third final in Doha, a rematch of the 2018 final, against Garbiñe Muguruza, winning easily this time.
2018: Grand Slam Appearances
In 2021, Kvitová's loss at the US Open marked the second time in her career she did not reach a second week at the Grand Slams, after 2018.
2018: Losing Streak on Clay
In 2022, Kvitová had her first losing streak on clay at the tour level since 2018.
2019: Wins Stuttgart Title and Forced to Withdraw from French Open in 2019
In 2019, Kvitová became the first player to win two titles by winning in Stuttgart. She then pulled out of the French Open with an arm injury. Making multiple second week appearances at the Grand Slams for the first time since 2015.
2019: Wins Sydney Title in 2019
In 2019, Kvitová claimed her second title in Sydney, defeating Ashleigh Barty in the final, winning her 26th career title.
2019: Australian Open Final
In 2019, Kvitová reached her first major final in almost five years at the Australian Open, finishing runner-up to Naomi Osaka.
2019: Sydney Title and Australian Open Quarterfinal Win
In 2019, Petra Kvitová replicated her victory over Ashleigh Barty by winning the Sydney final. She also defeated Barty in straight sets in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
2019: Four losing streak
In 2022, Kvitová had her first four losing streak since end of 2019.
2020: Doha Final Appearance
In 2020, Kvitová reached the final in Doha, but lost to Aryna Sabalenka, marking her tenth runner-up finish and consecutive finals lost at the Premier Mandatory/5 level.
2020: Australian Open Quarterfinal Appearance
In 2020, Kvitová reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, marking consecutive quarterfinal appearances at the same Grand Slam since 2014 Wimbledon Championships.
2020: Season Without a Title
In 2020, Kvitová shut down her season after the French Open, marking the first time since 2010 that she did not win a title during the season.
September 2021: Returned to Top 10
At the Miami Open, Kvitová's title win resulted in her return to the top 10 for the first time since September 2021.
2021: End of Season Ranking
In 2021, Kvitová ended the year ranked world No. 17, her first top-20 finish since 2016 and second of her career in total.
2021: Doha Title and Milestone
In 2021, Kvitová won the title in Doha, marking her 28th career title and making her the first player born in the 1990s to win titles across three decades.
2021: Yarra Valley Classic Win
In 2021, Petra Kvitová defeated Venus Williams in the second round of the Yarra Valley Classic, clinching the maiden straight-set win in their head-to-head.
2022: Cincinnati Semifinal
In 2022, Kvitová defeated former champion Madison Keys in the semifinals in Cincinnati.
2022: Early Loss at Australian Open
In 2022, Kvitová took another early loss to Sorana Cîrstea at the Australian Open for the second year running, this time in the first round.
2022: Eastbourne Title
In 2022, Kvitová won the title in Eastbourne, marking her fifth title on grass and 29th of her career.
2022: 2022 Season Review
In 2022, Petra Kvitová amassed 27 wins out of 46 matches, marking the first time since 2010 that her season winning rate was less than 60%.
2023: 2023 Season Kickoff and Australian Open Exit
In 2023, Petra Kvitová started the season at the United Cup, securing wins in singles. She reached her 100th career quarterfinal in Adelaide but exited the Australian Open in the second round.
