Danielle Collins and Billie Jean King react as two players both retire from tennis at the US Open

The US Open is now well underway, with many high-profile players enjoying their time in New York so far.

WTA legend Venus Williams was among the star names taking on the tournament, having been awarded a wildcard for the hard-court Grand Slam.

She lost her opener to Karolina Muchova, but Williams was proud of herself following the 3-6, 6-2, 1-6 defeat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Like Muchova, world number one Aryna Sabalenka is into round two of the US Open, although upsets have already occurred elsewhere.

Canadian Open champion Victoria Mboko fell in the first round, along with Australian Open champion Madison Keys.

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Billie Jean King reacts after two-time Wimbledon winner retires after US Open exit

And there was also an early exit for legendary figure Petra Kvitova, who lost 6-1, 6-0 to Diane Parry in her opening match.

The two-time Wimbledon champion has not only bowed out of the US Open following her defeat, but also from tennis.

READ MORE: WTA US Open 2025: Who is playing, how to watch and what is the prize money

And she has received plenty of messages following her retirement, with Simona Halep writing on her Instagram story: “Congratulations for everything you have done Petra! Enjoy life now.”

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Kvitova also shared Billie Jean King’s message that read: “Congratulations on an incredible career. Looking forward to following the next steps in your journey,” as well as Ons Jabeur’s note: “Thank you for being an inspiration for a lot of us.”

Danielle Collins reacts after two-time Grand Slam champion retires from tennis

There was indeed another WTA retirement in New York, with Caroline Garcia calling time on her glittering career.

She lost her US Open first round match 4-6, 6-4, 3-6 to Kamilla Rakhimova, and leaves tennis with 11 WTA singles and eight doubles titles to her name.

The French icon has also received huge support since her exit, with Danielle Collins saying of Garcia on her Instagram story: “Congratulations on an incredible career.

“Your achievements throughout your entire career is something so special. Who you are as a person and as a friend is even more special.”

Jabeur wrote on her story: “Wishing you all the best for the future,” with Paula Badosa writing: “Caro, don’t leave us! Your energy will be very missed!

“Congratulations on an amazing career! Great player but better person! Wish you nothing but the best. Grande amiga.”

Like Kvitova, Garcia is a two-time Grand Slam winner, having triumphed in French Open doubles on two occasions.

Both players meanwhile emerged victorious in the WTA Finals once upon a time, winning in 2011 and 2022 respectively.

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