Petra Kvitova walked back into the Czech tennis spotlight not as a competitor, but as a legacy. Just months after her retirement, the two-time Wimbledon champion was the emotional center of the Zlatý kanár (Golden Canary) Gala in Přerov — and the room knew it.
The annual ceremony, staged by Tenis magazine and the Czech Tennis Association, honoured the best of the 2025 season. Jakub Mensik and Linda Noskova took top player awards, teenage riser Tereza Valentova was recognised for her breakthrough year, and world No.1 doubles player Katerina Siniakova added another trophy. But the night belonged to Kvitova.
A Career That Defined an Era
Kvitova’s tribute came only months after she announced her retirement at the US Open, following a loss to Diane Parry. It felt timely — and deserved. For more than 15 years, she was the gravitational force of Czech women’s tennis.
Her résumé remains staggering: two Wimbledon titles, 31 career titles overall, nine at WTA 1000 level, a WTA Finals crown, an Australian Open final in 2019, and a career-high world No.2 ranking. Few players reshaped their nation’s tennis identity so completely.
‘Hormones Were Doing Their Thing’
Seeing it all condensed on screen was overwhelming even for her.
“It was very nice — especially how well they put everything together from my childhood,” Kvitova said afterwards. “Of course, the hormones are playing more tricks on me than usual right now, so it was even more touching.”
One moment stood out. “There was also a picture of my parents. How proud they were when I won Wimbledon for the first time. I really appreciate that.”
The Fed Cup Years — And the Passing of the Torch
Kvitova’s career was inseparable from Czech dominance in the Fed Cup. Between 2011 and 2018, she helped lead a golden generation that won six titles in eight years, alongside Lucie Safarova, Lucie Hradecka, Barbora Strycova — and later Katerina Siniakova and Barbora Krejcikova. Across that run, the Czechs won 20 of 22 ties.
The gala also marked an institutional handover. Long-time Fed Cup captain Petr Pala stepped down this year, replaced by Barbora Strycova — one of Kvitova’s former teammates.
“I thought it was very nice how both the older and the new generation said goodbye to Petr,” Kvitova said. “When we started, I didn’t even know we would all go up together, but it was beautiful. Petr and I started the Fed Cup together and now we’re finishing it together, which is great.”
Belief in the Next Generation
The Czech team is now in transition. Led by 21-year-old Linda Noskova, currently world No.13, they suffered an early qualification exit against Spain this year — missing the top eight for the first time since 2008.
Still, Kvitova remains bullish.
“We still have talented players, so it’s fantastic that Czech tennis keeps developing,” she said. “Not all countries have it as good as we do. We’re really unique, and it’s nice to see hopes growing. Hopefully it keeps moving forward.”
Asked whether the new generation could recreate the Fed Cup dynasty, Kvitova was honest.
“That’s a very difficult question. We had a great era and it will be hard to repeat, especially with the new format,” she said. “I don’t know if the veterans will come back, but I would love the girls to do it. It gives them completely different experiences — especially playing at home. They’re playing very well, and if they get the chance, they can win the trophy.”
All 2025 Czech Tennis Awards
Best Czech Female Player: Linda Nosková (TK Precheza Přerov)
Talent of the Year – Girls: Jana Kovačková (TK Sparta Praha)
WTA Ranking Breakthrough: Tereza Valentová (TK Sparta Praha)
Doubles Player of the Year: Kateřina Siniaková (TK Sparta Praha)
Senior of the Year: Barbora Koutná (TJ Baník Ostrava OKD)
Golden Canary: Jakub Menšík (TK Agrofert Prostějov), 62/149 votes
Best Czech Male Player: Jiří Lehečka (TK Agrofert Prostějov)
Talent of the Year – Boys: Jakub Kusý (TK Sparta Praha)
ATP Ranking Breakthrough: Jakub Menšík (TK Agrofert Prostějov)
Team of the Year: Davis Cup Team (Jiří Lehečka, Jakub Menšík, Tomáš Macháč, Adam Pavlásek, Vít Kopřiva, Petr Brunclík, Max Mrva; captain Tomáš Berdych)
Best Wheelchair Tennis Player: Pavel Gazda (Zlín)
Czech Tennis Association Award: Vlastimil Melka, Zdena Novotná
Mensik Signals a Shift on the Men’s Side
One of the night’s quieter milestones came when Jakub Mensik was named Player of the Year.
“The guys have a great generation now,” Kvitova said. “Jakub Mensik, Jiri Lehecka, and Tomas Machac are very well positioned, so I think they’ll push each other and keep rising. They all have the game to go very far.”
After Tomas Berdych, there was a long wait. Kvitova knows what momentum looks like — and she recognises it when it returns.
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