Petra's Story

Born in Zagreb, Croatia 1973 Petra was an only child to two incredible parents. Throughout her life she has found incredible people that she called friends and eventually family. Petra first came to the US almost 30 years ago. Since starting her tennis journey when she was 13 she has claimed multiple trophies in late Yugoslavia and early Croatia. In 1993 she reached her career highest WTA doubles ranking of 278 during the Yugoslavian war. When she came to Aspen following her friend from home, she met her husband Bill. Together they raised two beautiful daughters. 

Five years ago Petra proved to the world something that no one ever doubted, but somehow forgot. Even in the throes of treatments, Petra could still be found running clinics, playing doubles, organizing tournaments and meeting and greeting guests at the courts.  She also got some skiing at Snowmass this past winter!   In October of 2019 Petra was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had already metastasized to her bones. After 5 stable years Petra has been in and out of hospitalization for over 10 weeks. It was a challenging time for both her and her family as the first stages of getting diagnosed to now having to deal with the long term effects of being a fighter of this awful illness. Throughout the moments of stability and chaos one thing never changed; Petra’s never ending willingness to fight, and her families never ending support. 

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Unfortunately for the whole community her fight has ended as she decided on her own that it was her time. However, she did not leave without preparing each and every life she touched. As the whole community mourns the loss of this beautiful and majestic soul we are all reminded about what she fought for. She will forever be missed but it is her families goal to make sure she is never forgotten. 

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