Wimbledon exception moves Navratilova to tears after BBC protocol change

Wimbledon deviated from its standard procedure as two-time champion Petra Kvitova played her last match at the All England Club. The former world No.

2 had previously revealed her plans to retire after the US Open later this summer.

Kvitova was given a wildcard entry into Wimbledon and faced a tough draw against No. 10 seed Emma Navarro.

Despite taking an early lead, Kvitova was defeated 6-3 6-1, leaving BBC commentator Martina Navratilova in tears. After the match, it was confirmed that Kvitova would address the crowd, breaking with the usual tradition of only the winner speaking.

As Kvitova and Navarro shook hands at the net, fellow Czech-born tennis champion Navratilova was asked to pay tribute to the retiring 35 year old, leading to an emotional moment on air, according to the Express, reports the Mirror.

"It's hard for me to talk right now, she's just such a nice person on and off the court, a role model everywhere," said the tearful retired icon.

Kvitova acknowledged her fans inside Court 1 as she crossed the grass to retrieve her towel. She then stayed on Wimbledon's second-largest showcourt for one final interview.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you're all aware, our normal protocol is to interview the winner. But on this special occasion, the last appearance in the main draw for two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Petra, we'd like to give you the opportunity for a few words," Rishi Prasad announced.

Stepping up to the microphone, the two-time Wimbledon champion was visibly moved as she said: "Hi everyone, thank you very much for the beautiful atmosphere you made today, it was very special to play on this beautiful court. Congrats Emma on the win, good luck, I wish we could play a little bit longer but okay, whatever!".

She continued with heartfelt sentiment: "To have another chance to play one more time here, it means a lot to me. This place holds the best memories I could wish for. I never dreamed of winning Wimbledon, and I won it twice, this is something very, very special."

Kvitova then shared her bittersweet feelings about leaving the sport: "I will miss Wimbledon for sure, I will miss tennis, I will miss you fans, but I'm ready for the next chapter in my life as well. I can't wait to be back as a member which is still very unreal for me, to come back here and see all you guys again."

After recently returning from maternity leave, Kvitova took a moment to acknowledge those who contributed to her success: "I didn't have many tennis coaches through my career. My first one was my dad, who is here today as well, and my last one is my husband," eliciting laughter before she added some touching words in Czech directed at her family and friends.

With 31 titles under her belt, Kvitova expressed her gratitude to all who supported her throughout her career, leading up to Navarro's concluding words to both Kvitova and the spectators.

The 10th seed offered accolades to Petra, remarking: "Petra has had an amazing career and I told her at the net it was a pleasure to play her today. It was a little surreal to look across the court and see her over there serving bombs at me. I don't think you've lost any speed on your serve!".

She continued, adding a note of intimidation she felt during the match, "It was a bit intimidating at times and I just want to say congratulations for all you've done in this sport. Good luck for the rest of the year and wherever this life takes you when you're done here, best of luck."