Kvitova, who won her two major titles at Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014, will hang up her racquet at the end of the year. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova has announced that the 2025 season will be her last as a professional tennis player, with the US Open set to be her final tournament. The Czech won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014 and finished runner-up at the Australian Open in 2019, reaching a high of world No. 2 over the course of her lengthy career. She won 31 titles, including the WTA Tour Finals in 2011, and won Olympic bronze for the Czech Republic in 2016, as well as lifting six Billie Jean King Cup trophies. Writing on social media, Kvitova 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, 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. “As with all phases in life, there comes a day that it is time for a new chapter, and that time...
Sweden are through to the Semi-finals of the 2025 World Hockey Championship on home ice after gaining revenge on the Czech Republic, who knocked them out at the last four stage a year ago, by beating them 4-2 at Stockholm’s Avicii Arena and thus ending the Czechs’ title defence. The two teams arrived in the Playoffs having seen their respective six-match winning runs ended by North American sides on Tuesday – Sweden’s loss to Canada saw them slip to second in Group A, while the Czechs were beaten by the USA and finished third in Group B. The question of which side would dust themselves off the quicker was answered by Marcus Johansson and Mika Zibanejad coming close for Sweden in the opening minutes, before the hosts made their pressure count after David Pastrnak was called for holding. Rasmus Andersson controlled the puck in a central position just inside the blue line, then played a neat pass forward to Leo Carlsson, who deflected it into the net. For the rest of the first period, it was the Lucas Raymond show, as he put the Tre Kronor in full control. An interception at centre ice from Rasmus Sandin caught the Czechs...
In the 1930s, Zdeněk Koubek was one of the most dominant figures in women’s athletics in Czechoslovakia. He was fast, strong, and record-breaking–a rising star of international track and field. But behind the headlines and medals was a deeper, more complicated story: one of gender identity, public scrutiny, and ultimately, a choice between personal authenticity and athletic fame. Born Zdenka Koubková in the small Czech town of Paskov, she was raised in Brno. It was there that Zdena, in her late teens, joined the local chapter of Orel, a Catholic youth group focused on sports. She loved to ice skate, and but found she excelled in track and field. Koubek emerged as a gifted athlete in the early 1930s. At just 19 years old, he broke his first national record in 1932 and went on to set five more. By 1934, Koubková was one of Czechoslovakia’s most celebrated female athletes, winning two medals at the Women’s World Games in London and breaking two world records in the process. Zdena’s next world record came in the medley relay (2×100 metres, 200 metres and 800 metres), at 3:14.4. That August, she won the 800-metre event at the 1934 Women’s World Games, in...
If the Czech Republic reaches the semi-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championship, Prague will open a public fan zone on Old Town Square, allowing fans to watch and support their team together in the heart of the city. The tournament is currently underway in Sweden and Denmark, and should the Czech team advance, the fan zone will host free live broadcasts of both semi-final games on Friday, May 23 (scheduled for 14:20 and 18:20), followed by the bronze medal game and the final on Saturday, May 24 (15:20 and 20:20). A large LED screen (9×5 meters) will be installed, along with refreshment tents, toilets, and a stage for live music and presenters who will entertain the crowd between matches. City officials confirmed they are in talks with Czech Television to secure broadcasting rights for the public viewing. The Czech team is having a strong run at this year’s tournament, having won all five opening matches in Group B and already securing a spot in the playoffs. Their quarter-final opponent is yet to be determined. The fan zone initiative mirrors a similar setup during the 2024 Ice Hockey World Championship, which took place in Prague and Ostrava. That year, the Czech Republic...
What was meant to be a celebration of football turned into a scandal on Wednesday night, as Sparta Prague supporters were filmed giving Nazi salutes and shouting racist slogans during the Czech Cup final against Sigma Olomouc. Footage quickly spread online, showing fans in the away section of Olomouc’s Andrův Stadium raising their right arms in what appeared to be fascist salutes. Other videos, filmed later in the city center, show 11 masked fans posing for photos, with three of them again raising their arms in the same manner. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for tougher responses to recurring extremism among certain groups of football fans. Sparta Prague swiftly issued a public statement distancing the club from the behavior. “AC Sparta Praha strongly distances itself from all forms of racism, extremism, and hatred. Such behavior is completely incompatible with the values we stand for,” the club wrote on its official social media channels. According to the statement, the club has already launched a process to identify the individuals involved, using CCTV footage and working closely with local law enforcement. Sparta said those found responsible could face lifetime bans from all matches and criminal prosecution. Ano,...
Hosting a stage of the Tour de France in the Czech Republic is no longer just a dream discussed behind closed doors — it’s now a real possibility. Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed on Tuesday that the country is open to negotiating the chance to host the race’s Grand Départ, the prestigious opening stage of the world’s most famous cycling event. Speaking at the National Conference on the Promotion of Sport and Movement, Fiala said, “We’ve shown that we can organize tournaments at the highest level. There’s no reason to hesitate. I can confirm that the Czech Republic is prepared to negotiate the opportunity to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France.” While the idea has been informally floated for years, it gained new momentum after former footballer Petr Čech — whose agency Petr Čech Sport helps organize cycling events — publicly voiced his support. This summer, Tour legends Bradley Wiggins and Andy Schleck will be racing in the Czech Republic during the L’Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France series, further highlighting the country’s growing ties to the iconic race. Beyond cycling, Fiala expressed interest in co-hosting major football tournaments, such as the UEFA European Championship. “I...
Czechia’s national hockey team delivered a dominant performance Monday night, beating hosts Denmark 7-2 at the World Championship in Herning. The win keeps Czechia undefeated in the tournament so far, boosting confidence ahead of the next matches. Star players like Martin Nečas and David Pastrňák stood out, with Nečas scoring twice and Pastrňák adding a goal and two assists. Captain Roman Červenka also found the net, along with goals from Lukáš Sedlák, Daniel Gazda, and Daniel Voženílek. The Czech team controlled the second period, scoring four goals to take a commanding lead. Denmark managed to respond with two goals in the second and third periods, but it wasn’t enough to threaten the result. In goal for Czechia, Daniel Vladař impressed in his first start of the tournament with 29 saves. Denmark’s goalkeeper Frederik Dichow had a tougher evening, facing relentless pressure from the Czech offense. The home crowd in Herning gave Denmark strong support, but the hosts have now lost all three of their games and are still searching for a win. They’ll play Kazakhstan next. Czechia, meanwhile, will face Hungary on Thursday. 2️⃣ goals 4️⃣8️⃣ seconds Czechia was on 🔥 on day four of #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/yta2rHjZC6 — IIHF (@IIHFHockey)...
Defending champion Czech Republic prevailed in overtime to open the men’s ice hockey world championship with a 5-4 victory over Switzerland on Friday in a rematch of last year’s final. Czechia began their title defense at the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship with a dramatic 5–4 overtime win against Switzerland. The game, played in Stockholm as part of the Sweden-Denmark co-hosted tournament, was a rollercoaster of goals, missed chances, and special teams play. Switzerland struck early, with Christian Marti opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Later in the first period, David Pastrňák had a chance to level the score from a penalty shot but failed to convert. The miss proved costly when Damien Riat doubled the Swiss lead just 32 seconds later. Czechia responded at the very end of the opening period. With a 5-on-3 power play opportunity, Matěj Stránský found the back of the net just 19 seconds before the buzzer, narrowing the deficit to 2–1. The second period belonged to Radim Rulík’s squad. In the 27th minute, Filip Zadina tied the game with a confident finish. Just nine minutes later, Filip Pyrochta gave Czechia the lead with a sharp shot from the slot. To byla...
A new chapter in Czech sports infrastructure is unfolding in the heart of Jihlava, where a multipurpose arena is nearing completion. Designed by Chybik + Kristof Architects & Urban Designers, the Horácká Multifunctional Arena is set to become one of the most versatile sports and leisure centers in the country. Construction began in the autumn of 2023 and will be completed later this year. With a capacity of 5,650 spectators, the arena is more than just a hockey stadium. “Located in the heart of Jihlava, this arena reflects a deliberate and forward-thinking decision by the city (Jihlava),” say architects Ondrej Chybik and Michal Kristof. It represents a bold reinvention of urban sports spaces–designed to blend into the city rather than stand apart from it. At its core, the new complex honors Jihlava’s passion for hockey. As it will be the future home for HC Dukla Jihlava, the city’s legendary club and 12-time Extraliga champions. Since its founding in 1956, Dukla has shaped Czech hockey history and cultivated generations of elite players. Yet, its vision goes well beyond ice. The arena includes an adaptable ice rink that can host everything from high-level sporting competitions to concerts and exhibitions, as well as...
Jakub Menšík will never forget how he won his first ATP Tour title. Czech teenager Tomáš Menšík defeated Novak Djokovic 7-6, 7-6 to win the Miami Open presented by Itau title on Sunday. The 19-year-old became the second-youngest titlist in tournament history behind Carlos Alcaraz, who lifted the trophy in 2022 as an 18-year-old. “To be honest, I don’t know what to say. It feels incredible, obviously,” Menšík said in his on-court interview. “It was probably the biggest day of my life, and I did super, which I’m really glad [about], to show the performance and keep the nerves outside of the court before the match. I feel just super happy,y and I think that the feelings will come later.” The defeat leaves Djokovic, who appeared to struggle with an issue underneath his right eye, without a title on tour since the ATP Finals in 2023. His only success in 2024 came at the Olympics. “There is no harder task in tennis than to beat him in the finals,” said Menšík, who lost his only previous meeting with Djokovic in Shanghai. “You’re the one I idolised when I was young. I started playing tennis because of you. This is your...
Sport has the power to unite people, bridging cultures and fostering a sense of belonging. In Prague, one club is doing just that—Galaksia Praha 23. Since its founding in June 2023, Galaksia Praha 23 has grown into a dynamic football community, bringing together players and coaches from more than 30 nationalities. With over 60 active members, the club fosters inclusivity through a shared love of football, transcending borders and backgrounds. One of its biggest achievements to date is securing a spot in the Czech League of Football for the 2025/2026 season, where it will compete from the 9th tier. This marks a steady rise in the domestic football scene. Over the past two seasons in the Hanspaulka league, Galaksia has earned three promotions across two teams, underlining its competitive drive. Beyond league success, the club has made waves in tournaments. It claimed victory at the 2024 Summer Soccer Festival in Brno and notched an impressive beach soccer win against a Sparta Prague side—clear signs of its growing influence in Czech football. Expanding its reach beyond football, the club also offers weekly English-speaking 3×3 indoor basketball sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, welcoming players from all backgrounds. This initiative reflects Galaksia’s broader...
On Saturday, June 14, Eden Stadium will host OKTAGON 72, where over 28,000 fans will gather for a night of world-class MMA action. This isn’t just any fight night – it’s the conclusion of the most intense rivalry in European MMA. In the main event, two legends – Karlos Vémola and Attila Végh – will face off for the third and final time. The score is tied at 1–1, and this fight will settle the question once and for all: Who is the greatest fighter in Czech and Slovak MMA history? Their story is legendary. Végh shocked the MMA world in 2019 when he knocked out Vémola in the first round of the original “Fight of the Century.” Vémola, driven by revenge, got his payback in 2024 at Eden Stadium, choking out Végh in the second round in front of a record-breaking crowd. Now, with both men declaring this their final fight, Judgment Day is here. Everything is on the line. This is more than a fight – it’s a legacy-defining moment. The co-main event features a fight we’ve waited six years to see. Two of the best middleweights in Europe – Makhmud Muradov and Patrik Kincl – will finally...
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