For most of his life, all Denis Kudla has known is playing tennis.
From a precocious Junior player who ascended to the #3 ITF World Junior ranking after winning the prestigious Orange Bowl 16’s, to a respected tennis professional whose 16-year career included representing the USA at the Rio Olympics and Davis Cup, Kudla and tennis have been inseparable.
Then, as occurs in the careers of all professionals, on January 2, 2025 in Perth, Australia, Kudla laced up his shoes one last time as a competitor. And it was an impressive finish as he partnered in mixed doubles with Desirae Krawczyk to complete a 3-0 sweep for the eventual champions United States over the Czech Republic in the United Cup semifinals.
Now, five months into retirement, Kudla reflects on when he knew he should step away.
“For 16 years, playing tennis had always been my purpose, but as time went on, I started getting more injuries, and the joy of winning and motivation to push through adversity weren’t there,” stated Kudla, who describes his emotions after witnessing the support from players and coaches after announcing his retirement on social media.
“I definitely shed some tears, which was surprising because I’m not the most emotional person, but it means a lot,” said Kudla. “When you’re playing for so long and so engrossed in your career– it was truly special for me to have that moment for reflection and perspective.”
Some of his favorite memories include making the Olympic Team, playing in Davis Cup, and accomplishing his dream of playing on the Center Court at Wimbledon against world #1 Novak Djokovic.
Kudla also holds a special JTCC memory close to his heart.
“It was playing Frances a couple of times on tour and then having the torch officially passed to him at the Nottingham Challengers Final when he beat me 6-1, 6-3,” stated Kudla, who described himself as Frances’ biggest supporter. “I held on as long as I could, but that was one of the more special handshakes of my career – it was like, ‘Wow” you finally beat me- you did it.”
No longer a competitor on the court, Kudla has stayed at the forefront of the sport revealing in December that he would coach fellow American and former world #17 Reilly Opelka.
“I wouldn’t do well sitting around and doing nothing because that’s not my personality,” explained Kudla, who has known Opelka since he was 14 and shares the same agent. “I really enjoy helping people and making an impact, and this is how I can make the most impact.”
A fierce competitor with a relentless work ethic according to JTCC President Vesa Ponkka, Kudla joined JTCC as a 10-year-old in 2001 -often making the daily 50-minute metro commute himself from his home in Arlington, VA.
One of the first players to walk the halls of JTCC, Kudla reminisces about his time at the club.
“JTCC did such a fantastic job creating a mentoring system, especially when we were younger and having everything in one place,” said Kudla. “I joined JTCC just when the programs started, and there really wasn’t a reputation or blueprint. As the years went on, the blueprint got better, and the education of the coaches, motivation of players, and the team really created the perfect pathway.”
From Junior tennis star to ATP professional and now up-and-coming coach, the evolution of Kudla, the person, has been just as profound as Kudla, the player.
“When I was younger, I was a punk kid who learned a lot and was humbled many times. I went through many roller coasters throughout my career from wanting to quit at different points, to feeling like I was invincible,” stated Kudla.
“I’m enjoying every day in this stage of my life and career while knowing I can’t be satisfied and there’s always work to be done. From where I was at 16, wearing a backward hat with long hair, to a 32-year-old bald guy with a kid, it’s been a huge change, but I love it every day,” Kudla said with a smile.
