PETRA KVITOVA will appear at Wimbledon for the final time after announcing plans to retire at the end of the tennis year.

The Czech ace won the singles Championship in south-west London on two occasions, in 2011 and 2014, and is a member of the All England Club.

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Petra Kvitova won the Venus Rosewater dish in 2011 and 2014[/caption]

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Kvitova, 35, opened the new Andy Murray Arena at Queen’s last week[/caption]

The 35-year-old was handed a wildcard for the 2025 Championships as she has dropped down to 572nd in the world rankings.

Her inactivity can be explained by the fact she gave birth to son Petr in July 2024 and she has only won one of her seven matches this calendar year.

Kvitova will say goodbye to the sport following the conclusion of the US Open – where she has twice made the quarter-finals – and it is fair to assume New York chiefs will hand her a wildcard, too.

Her career was badly affected in December 2016 when she was attacked by a knife-wielding man, who entered her flat on the pretence he needed to inspect her boiler.

The former world No.2 suffered severe wounds to her left hand in the fight to free herself and in March 2019, the culprit, Radim Zondra, was sentenced to eight years in jail.

When she returned to the sport five months after the ordeal, she said she was “fortunate to be alive” and doctors never expected her to play at the top level again.

She also won an Olympic bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Games, reached the 2019 Australian Open final – where she lost in three sets to Naomi Osaka – and was part of six Billie Jean King Cup-winning squads for her country.

In an Instagram post, the left-hander said: “Growing up in my hometown of Fulnek and hitting the first tennis balls with my father on the local courts, I never imagined becoming a professional tennis player.

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Kvitova beat Genie Bouchard in the 2014 SW19 final[/caption]

“Being able to travel the world, and playing in the most beautiful stadiums around the world.

“And sure enough… somehow all of that became a reality, and so much more.

“I’ve been privileged to reach incredible heights over the past 19 years since becoming a professional tennis player.

“From winning my two Wimbledon Championships, bringing home six Billie Jean King Cup trophies for the Czech Republic, reaching the world No.2 ranking and so much more.

“I’ve accomplished more than I could have ever imagined and I’m so grateful to everything that tennis has given me all these years.
“It has taught me countless lessons, not only on the court or in the gym, but also in life.

“I’d never be whom I am today without this beautiful sport and everything it has given me both on and off the court.

“As will all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time for me has come now.

“I therefore wanted to share with you that 2025 is my last season on tour as a professional.

“I’m excited and very much looking forward to soaking in the beauty of playing The Championships, Wimbledon one more time, a place that holds the most cherished memories in my career for me.

“And while I’m not entirely sure yet what my hardcourt swing in the US will look like, I’m intending to finish my active playing career at the US Open in New York later this summer.

“While no such decision is ever easy to make, for me this is a happy moment!

“I’ll leave the sport with the biggest smile on my face – the same smile you’ve seen from me on and off court throughout my whole career.

“Through all these years, I’m so incredibly thankful for the unwavering support of my family, my closest friends, my team, and all the incredible fans that have always supported me around the world over all these years.

“I could not have asked or wished for anything more – tennis has given me everything I have today, and I will continue to be forever grateful to this beautiful sport that I love.”

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ROYAL Ascot is in full swing and the spotlight is as much on the fashion as it is on the racing. 

From daring headpieces to elegant gowns, the event has become a showcase of creativity and style.  

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Zara Tindall waving from a royal carriage[/caption]

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King Charles and Queen Camilla in a carriage at Royal Ascot[/caption]

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The Princess Royal and the Duchess of Edinburgh in a royal carriage at Royal Ascot[/caption]

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Racegoer at Royal Ascot in a gold dress and elaborate hat[/caption]

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Lady Victoria Hervey at Royal Ascot wearing a white feathered dress and teal cape[/caption]

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A modelling her elaborate hat with pink and yellow fabric[/caption]

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Woman in a white dress and hat at Ascot racecourse[/caption]

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The females didn’t hold back on their outfits for race day[/caption]

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Every corner of Ascot is alive with colour and sophistication[/caption]

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The ladies are making it a day to remember[/caption]

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Race goers are able to experience the thrill and elegance of Ladies Day at Royal Ascot[/caption]

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Each year, this iconic event attracts over 250,000 visitors across five days[/caption]

Day four brings a vibrant mix of tradition and modern glamour, with celebrities, socialites, and even royalty embracing the festive atmosphere.  

As champagne flows and laughter fills the air, the racecourse becomes a runway, with guests revelling in the spirit of this iconic British event.  

Every corner of Ascot is alive with colour and sophistication, making it a day to remember for fashion enthusiasts and racing fans alike.  

Race goers will be able to experience the thrill and elegance of Ladies Day at Royal Ascot. 

Each year the royal family flocks to Ascot to witness the action. 

However, yesterday the Princess of Wales pulled out of Royal Ascot at the last minute as she continues her cancer recovery. 

It is understood that Kate, 43, was “disappointed” that she wasn’t going but “has to find the right balance” on returning to full time duty. 

She attended Trooping the Colour and Order of the Garter in recent days plus a visit to V&A East Storehouse last week.

Known as the pinnacle of British horse racing, Royal Ascot is not just about the thrilling sport but also a celebration of style, tradition, and culinary indulgence. 

Each year, this iconic event attracts over 250,000 visitors across five days, offering an unforgettable experience steeped in history and glamour.

Dress to Impress

Fashion takes centre stage at Royal Ascot, with each enclosure offering its unique sartorial expectations. 

The prestigious Royal Enclosure demands the highest level of formality. 

Gentlemen are required to don morning suits complete with top hats, while ladies must adhere to a refined dress code: dresses or skirts that fall just above the knee or longer, straps of at least one inch in width, and, of course, a statement hat is non-negotiable.

For those in the Queen Anne Enclosure, the dress code is still elegant but slightly more relaxed, allowing for a touch of personal flair. 

Meanwhile, the Windsor Enclosure is the most informal of the three.

Although there’s no strict dress code here, smart attire is encouraged to maintain the event’s sophisticated atmosphere.

A Historic Beginning

Royal Ascot has a fascinating history that dates back to 1711.

It all began when Queen Anne, during a ride from Windsor Castle, came across a piece of land she thought was perfect for horse racing, describing it as “ideal for horses to gallop at full stretch.” 

This marked the birth of Ascot Racecourse.

The first Royal Meeting was held in 1768, and over the years, it has grown into Britain’s most iconic racing event, blending centuries-old tradition with the excitement and glamour of the modern day.

The Daily Schedule

Each day at Royal Ascot is meticulously planned to ensure a seamless blend of racing and pageantry. 

Gates open at 10:30am, with the much-anticipated royal procession taking place at 2pm, a moment that sets the tone for the day’s festivities. 

Racing enthusiasts can look forward to seven nail-biting races, starting at 2:30pm and concluding at 6:10pm.

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Racing enthusiasts can look forward to seven nail-biting races, starting at 2:30pm and concluding at 6:10pm[/caption]

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Many women opted for bright colours for this ladies day[/caption]

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Across the five days, guests will indulge in 220,000 handcrafted afternoon tea cakes[/caption]

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An estimated 65,000 bottles of Champagne and 100,000 bottles of wine are consumed[/caption]

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Georgia Toffolo attends day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse[/caption]

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Three women in stylish dresses and hats at Royal Ascot[/caption]

Beyond the Racing: A Feast for the Senses

Royal Ascot is not just a sporting event; it’s a feast for the senses. Culinary excellence is a hallmark of the occasion, with 350 chefs crafting an array of exquisite dishes. 

Across the five days, guests will indulge in 220,000 handcrafted afternoon tea cakes, 7,300 Angus steaks, and 3,000 kilograms of salmon. 

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The Queen Anne Enclosure, in particular, offers a gastronomic treat at the 1768 Grill, where the renowned Argentinian restaurant Gaucho serves up mouthwatering steaks.

As for beverages, the statistics are as impressive as the event itself. 

An estimated 65,000 bottles of Champagne and 100,000 bottles of wine are consumed, ensuring the celebrations flow as freely as the bubbly.

A Grand Affair

The scale of Royal Ascot is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2023, the event saw approximately 400 helicopters and 1,000 luxury cars ferrying guests to the racecourse. 

On average, 60,000 attendees graced the grounds each day, making it a true highlight of Britain’s social calendar.

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THOUSANDS of Irish people getting a €325 weekly payment have been handed a six-month lifeline – in a move that’s been slammed as “kicking the can down the road”.

The Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot payment scheme paid out to artists and creative arts workers.

The main aim of the payment is to address the job and financial instability faced by many in the creative industry.

There were 2,000 creatives selected to receive the payment after applications closed back in May of 2022.

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan confirmed today the pilot scheme will be extended for a further six months.

The Fine Gael TD revealed he plans to bring plans for a “successor scheme” to Cabinet for Budget 2026.

He said the six-month extension will allow for both allow time for “the full evaluation of the pilot” and “stakeholder engagement”.

“Confirming the plans in a statement today he said: “The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact.

“In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme.

“I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme.”

He continued: “I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026.

“The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.

“To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.”

However, the move has been met with strong criticism claiming it leaves artists in “limbo” rather than aids them.

The Labour Party blasted Minister O’Donovan and claimed the extension was part of a “drip feed of promises”.

Labour’s Arts spokesperson Rob O’Donoghue said the TD was “kicking the can down the road” with the new extension.

He fumed: “This scheme has been a tremendous success, with artists across the board stating how it has been instrumental in their ability to work more effectively and more creatively in their vocations.

“Why then has the Minister simply added a 6-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads? With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?”

‘BEGGING BOWL’

He added: “We know there are some adjustments that require addressing for example the criteria for entry, the lack of inclusion of certain artistic forms, and the nebulous appeals process for those who did apply for the scheme in the first place. But will these really be addressed with a six month extension?”

“Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision.

“I’m calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.”

‘CONSISTENT, POSITIVE IMPACT’

As part of assessing the current benefits the Basic Income for the Arts payment is providing the Department of Finance is preparing a report on the first two years.

The Department detail while research is ongoing, current data highlights a positive impact.

They said: “It is clear from evidence collected to date that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators – affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.”

Artists receiving the payment are reported able to produce more work and devote more time to their work.

Those on the scheme have also reported a wellbeing boost and the reduction of anxiety.

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