Denis Kudla announces retirement from tennis with emotional message & cherished snaps with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic

Denis Kudla announced his retirement from tennis with an emotional message, thanking everyone involved in making his career special. The American's last match came at the 2025 United Cup in the semifinal tie between Team USA and Team Czech Republic.

Kudla teamed up with Desirae Krawczyk to take on Gabriela Knutson and Patrick Riki for the final match of the former's career. This was following Coco Gauff's and Taylor Fritz's wins in the opening two matches, which clinched the tie for the USA. Kudla and Krawczyk played some phenomenal tennis, winning the match 7-5, 6-0 to give the USA a resounding 3-0 win.

The 32-year-old announced his retirement after the match and later took to Instagram to pen an emotional note for tennis, a sport he said he would forever be grateful for.

Kudla shared some highlights from his career, which included a childhood picture, winning the United Cup, snaps with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, and others.

"Thank you Tennis, this journey has come to an end. I want to thank everyone who made this ride something special for me, no matter how big or small the role in my life. Every memory will be something that I cherish forever and will always be proud of. I could have never imagined what this life could give me and where it has brought me. A blonde haired, backwards hat wearing kid from the DMV going on to be a professional tennis player for 16 years! I am forever grateful to this sport I love."

"My Family, My Friends, My Wife, Tyler, My Baby, Rush - Thank you for the sacrifices you made to allow me to reach for my dreams and become who I am today. I love you , ♥️🫡"

---

A brief look into Denis Kudla's career

Denis Kudla - Source: Getty

Denis Kudla reached a career-high ranking of 53 in singles in 2016 and 133 in doubles in 2018. He won 11 Challenger-level titles in singles and doubles.

The American's best run at a Major came at the 2015 Wimbledon where he reached the fourth round but was defeated by Marin Cilic. However, he would better this feat in doubles in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals alongside compatriot Jack Sock. Kudla also won the inaugural United Cup in 2023 with Team USA and was part of their squad in the following two editions as well.

He suddenly announced his retirement during his post-match interview taking everyone, except his teammates, by surprise.

"Last match of my career. I'm retiring, thank you. I'm officially going to step away from the game. It's been an incredible 16 years, to finish it off here, representing the country, couldn't ask for anything better. And now I'm coaching Reilly Opelka who is absolutely on a tear right now, so its a good start," Kudla said (0:13 onwards).

Denis Kudla will be cheering his Team USA on during their final against Team Poland at the United Cup.