Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, others celebrate Denis Kudla’s career as he hangs up the racket

Frances Tiafoe, Ben Shelton, Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul, and many other tennis superstars have paid tribute to Denis Kudla after the American announced his retirement. He went out in style after winning the final professional match and event of his career.

Kudla surprised everyone, barring his Team USA members, when he announced his decision to hang up his racket following his mixed doubles win alongside Desirae Krawczyk against the Czech Republic's Gabriela Knutson and Patrik Riki in the semifinals.

After his announcement in the post-match interview, Kudla took to Instagram to pen a message to announce his retirement formally. He also shared some highlights from his career, including clicks with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Following the post, tennis stars sent their love to the 32-year-old to celebrate his career. Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Jessica Pegula, Desirae Krawczyk, Madison Keys, Ben Shelton, Benoit Paire, and others commented on the post.

"Thank you dudla," Paul wrote.

"Thank you bro," Tiafoe commented.

Pegula made fun of Kudla for getting hit by one of Krawczyk's shots during his final match.

"I made the post. Incredible career Denis!! Glad got to watch Desirae Krawczyk peg you in the head last night in possibly one your last matches haha."

Via Denis Kudla's INSTAGRAM (@deniskudla)

Team USA defeated Team Poland in the final of the 2025 United Cup with the help of Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz's wins.

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"It's incredible to retire in this way" - Denis Kudla opens up about ending his career on a high note

Taylor Fritz, Denis Kudla, and Coco Gauff (L-R) celebrating the United Cup- Source: Getty

During the post-tournament press conference, Denis Kudla was asked how he felt about ending his career on a high note to which he responded:

"Yeah, no, it's incredible to retire in this way, you know, representing my country, something that's super special, being with this group right here. You know, I was saying how rare it is for..."

As he continued, Gauff interrupted him:

"Tattoo, tattoo."

Kudla continued expressing his delight at ending his career with a United Cup title.

"I'll get to that part -- how rare it is to actually end my career on a W. Not too many people actually get to do that. To end on a happy note, I think it was super special. I didn't expect the emotions to come over me at all, but I'm super grateful for the opportunity."

He then explained that he planned to add a shovel tattoo, alluding to Team USA's 'theme' for this edition.

"You know, I'm ready for the next chapter. I'm ready to -- I have a tattoo on my leg from our first theme of getting locked in. So I'm going to put a shovel right next to it. I will have a shovel and a lock, and I hope my wife approves. She has no choice once it's on my body."

Denis Kudla may have ended his career as an athlete but his relationship with professional tennis will continue as he will coach Reilly Opelka.