A three-time grand slam champion and Olympic silver medallist,Kerber won her first major at the 2016 Australian Open,defeating defending champion Serena Williams in three sets.
Angelique Kerber holding the trophy after winning the 2016 Australian Open.AP
“I will never forget the feeling when I won the Australian Open,” Kerber,35,told this masthead. “It was my first grand slam title,so I will never forget the emotions and feelings,and especially because I was not really the top player. Serena was actually more the player to win,but that’s why it’s even more special for me,being a little bit of the underdog,to winning against her.
“Winning here my first grand slam at the Australian Open,and winning here in Sydney,I play always good tennis,and that’s why Australia holds a really special place for me.”
Returning to Australia for the 2024 United Cup in Sydney,Kerber considers herself the underdog again,as she steps on court for the first time in 18 months after taking time away to have a baby.
“I am really happy being back and competing,I think this is what I really missed a lot,” the 2018 Sydney International champion said.
“Going on court[this week],I don’t have the pressure so much because I really want to give myself time,this is the first tournament[back].
“I will give myself time to get used to the tournaments routine again,to the pressure,but also the emotions are completely different to when you are practicing.”
Angelique Kerber and Alexander Zverev will play the singles matches for team Germany at the 2024 United Cup.Getty
Kerber will return as part of team Germany,alongside men’s world No.7 Alexander Zverev.
Germany play their first group stage matches against Italy on Saturday afternoon,with Kerber to face women’s world No.30 Jasmine Paolini.
Now 35,Kerber said having a baby has changed her perception of life and tennis.
“I think it has changed me as well,as a person. Having now a child,it changed my mindset completely,you’re not the number one person any more,there’s somebody more important,” she said.
“And I think that I’m also a little bit more relaxed on and off the court. I’m trying to have fun on court,enjoying every moment.”
Kerber said she was thrilled to start her comeback in a team setting,where she can enjoy the competition alongside others.
“It is nice,and I’m really looking forward to being again part of the German team. It’s always an honour to play for your country,and we have a great team,we have a lot of fun as well,this is why I decided to play here to play in a team competition.”
For reigning Olympic champion Zverev,it’s about making amends.
The 2023 United Cup was where the 26-year-old German made his own comeback following a serious ankle injury,but he failed to win a match and Germany were knocked out in the group stage.
“I’m excited to be back. I’m excited to hopefully play a lot better than I did last year,” he said.
“I think generally the situation is different this year. Last year,I’m coming back after a very serious injury. I was telling myself that I’m healthy,but I wasn’t. I definitely wanted to come back here to play a very unique event in a way as well. But yeah,give Germany a better chance of competing and better chance of winning.”
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