Former women’s world number one Angelique Kerber wants to win more Grand Slam titles after her planned return to the court, but knows that challenges await her now that she is a mother.
The 35-year-old German gave birth to her daughter Liana at the end of February and is expected to compete at the Australian Open in January 2024. It was in Melbourne that Angelique Kerber won the first of her three Grand Slam titles in 2016. The tennis player said she continues to aim for “titles and majors” and new successes as a mother, like Serena Williams, Kim Clijsters and Victoria Azarenka.
“I know it’s a longer and harder road than in the past. But I believe anything is possible. You just have to have the courage to try”, said Angelique Kerber. “I want to make sure that when I come back, I can play at a high level and without pain after one game. It’s comforting to know that I still have a little time before the return. I’m learning every day. Everything will be new when someone else is on your mind and more important. But I still can’t wait”, added she.
Before announcing her pregnancy, Angelique Kerber last played almost 12 months ago at Wimbledon, where she won the title in 2018.
“Of course I miss the tournaments, the emotions, the nerves, the wins and also the losses that are part of the whole process. But now I’m enjoying my life in a different way and these are definitely exciting times”, said also Angelique Kerber.
Angelique Kerber has been ranked as high as world No 1, for a total of 34 weeks, and won three major titles at the 2016 Australian Open, the 2016 US Open, and the 2018 Wimbledon Championships. She is also an Olympic silver medalist and was the year-end world number one in 2016.
