LONDON/STARNBERG, June 20, 2022

Philipp Kohlschreiber has won his opening match of the qualifying into The Championships at Wimbledon. The 38-year-old German beat Frenchman Gregoire Barrere 6-2, 6-2 on Monday afternoon and announced his retirement from professional tennis afterwards.

“Funny story. This is my first time here in Roehampton. I had a great and wonderful career. This is going to be my last tournament. I will stop after Wimbledon 2022. So, I am happy that I have another match here and maybe I will make it to the main draw,” Kohlschreiber said in his post-match interview.

Hier der O-Ton aus seinem Interview nach seinem Match gegen Gregoire Barrere, das er 6-2 6-2 gewann. (📷: Florian Heer) pic.twitter.com/xJ7enfr4m4

— Chip & Charge (@ChipundCharge) June 20, 2022

The World No. 168, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 16 in July 2012, captured eight titles on the ATP Tour as well as four trophies on the Challenger Circuit. Ten years ago, Kohlschreiber made it into the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

“I don’t really have a plan (for his post-tennis career),” the Augsburg native said.  “I just wanna finish and I think it’s kind of a special moment. I am more a quite person. I didn’t want to say that this is my last season. A few people already know that this is going to be my last tournament and I just try to enjoy every match. It’s been a very long journey. I had great memories, especially here with the biggest success in a Grand Slam.”