Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber has said she is going to retire from tennis after the Olympic Games in Paris.

The 36-year-old German is a former world number one and claimed the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2016 before winning Wimbledon two years later.

She competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio when she won silver in the women’s singles, having been beaten by Puerto Rican Monica Puig in the final, and did not compete at the Tokyo Games.

“The finish line,” said Kerber on social media. “Before the Olympics begin, I can already say that I will never forget Paris 2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player.

“And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way. Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me.”

Kerber returned to the WTA Tour earlier this season after being on maternity leave.

She added: “The Olympics I’ve participated in so far have been more than just competitions as they represent different chapters of my life as a tennis player: the climb, the peak and now, the finish line.”