Barbora Strycova, former world No.1 doubles player and 2016 Rio bronze medallist, announces retirement

It’s game, set and match for Czech tennis player Barbora Strycova’s on-court career.

The 35-year-old (above, on right), who announced her pregnancy in March, said on social media Tuesday (4 May) that she is stepping away from the game for good – though she’d like to play one final farewell match in front of a full crowd at some point down the line.

“I have always had enormous love for this amazing sport,” Strycova wrote. “Even through all the pain, tears... and sweat, all the great moments and victories were worth it.”

Strycova, known as “Queen Bee” by avid fans of the sport, reached world No.1 in doubles following her lone Grand Slam win, at Wimbledon in 2019 alongside partner Hsieh Su-Wei.

She won over 500 career doubles matches (507-261), capturing 31 titles and helping the Czech Republic to six Billie Jean King Cup (formerly Fed Cup) crowns since 2011.

At the Olympic Games Rio 2016, she partnered with Lucie Safarova to win the bronze medal. The team took out three-time gold medallists Venus and Serena Williams in the first round of the event. The Williams sisters, Olympic champions in 2000, 2008 and 2012, had never lost an Olympic doubles match prior to that defeat.

In singles, Strycova reached a career-high ranking of No.16 in the world and won two titles, going 564-411 overall.

Strycova was a crafty, all-court player, known for her spins, tactics, movement and speed. She was well-liked off of the court, known to be always up for a good laugh.

She exits the sport near the top - she's currently ranked No.2 in the WTA's doubles rankings behind Hsieh. They lost in the second round of this year's Australian Open.

"We have some amazing laughs and memories on and off the court," wrote Indian tennis star Sania Mirza on Twitter. "Will miss seeing you and our inappropriate jokes. Congratulations!"