Former No. 1 Angelique Kerber to retire after Olympics

Former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber will retire after the Olympics.

The German made the announcement Thursday on social media from Paris, where she'll compete in her third Summer Games.

"The finish line," Kerber, 36, wrote on Instagram. "Before the Olympics begin, I can already say that I will never forget #Paris2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player. And 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.

"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: the climb, the peak... and now, the finish line."

Kerber has 14 career singles titles, including the Australian Open and U.S. Open, both in 2016, and Wimbledon in 2018.

She will face another former No. 1, Naomi Osaka, in the opening round of the Olympics. Kerber won a silver medal in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Kerber retires as one of only nine women to win more than $30 million on tour and with a singles record of 680-377 (.643).

--Field Level Media