Angelique Kerber (35) returns to the tennis tour. The former world number 1 talks about traveling as a mother, her Olympic dream and that she would like to carry the flag.
SPORT BILD: Ms. Kerber, at the end of December at the United Cup in Sydney you want to make your comeback after a year and a half of baby break. How long have you been training?
ANGELIQUE KERBER (35): I’ve been fully involved again for three months, although I was also active before that. Things really started at the beginning of September. First we worked out a plan with the team, determined the training blocks with my coach Torben Beltz, and then we got down to specific work.
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Source: BILD / Sportdigital / Sporttotal.TV / DAZN December 7th, 2023
How do you prepare for a comeback after 18 months?
This is completely new and indeed a challenge. I didn’t want to train through, but there are days and sometimes weeks that are free so that it doesn’t become too much. Otherwise I would have been mentally exhausted at some point. In the first phase we placed a lot of emphasis on fitness and did short, intensive sessions, always with enough breaks in between. Some things were then decided and adjusted spontaneously. For me, the preparation feels four times longer than usual. I have never trained so long and intensively.
How fit will you be when you come back?
A good question that I can’t answer because I don’t know myself. I’ve done everything, I feel good, we’re right on schedule. But it is too early to make a prediction. I do play sets and matches in training against young people from my academy, but it’s not comparable. In plain language: I have a real cold start in Australia and the most difficult one I have had so far. But that’s exactly what motivates me.
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Did you only train in your academy in Poland?
Yes, because it was nice to have a routine and not live out of a suitcase every week for a change. I have the perfect training conditions in my academy, so I don’t need any changes. Next year I will travel enough again. Now I still enjoy the benefits of a regular routine. Just being at home, without jet lag and travel stress, which I don’t miss. But the thought of Australia makes me tingle again.
You constantly have to cancel parties because of your job and you hardly see any friends. Were you able to enjoy it a bit despite having a baby?
In any case! I noticed everything that was going on. I also celebrated my birthday in January at home for the first time in 15 years. A nice change.
Angelique Kerber will be seen fighting like this again from the end of December
Foto: picture alliance / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Do you have a role model as a comeback mother?
There have been many positive examples of comeback mothers this year, which also shows that it is possible. In the end everyone has to find their way and their rhythm. But Caro Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina, just to name two, played great after their return. That was impressive. I’m looking forward to it and will have to find my own way. This will be the biggest challenge of all time and without patience it won’t work.
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Do you feel pressure?
Interesting, I actually thought about that. The expectations will be there, but in the end I don’t look at what others expect. I have achieved and won almost everything I dreamed of as a child. Some will probably say: “Why is she doing this to herself?” Quite simply: I play for the love of the sport and because I feel the motivation. I want to be on the pitch again for myself. These emotions and joy of playing in front of an audience cannot be replaced. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone anymore.
Well-rehearsed duo: Angelique Kerber and her coach Torben Beltz
Foto: picture alliance / DPPI media
What was the hardest part about preparing with a baby?
Clearly, the compatibility of work and family. Every mother knows how difficult this is. Every day brings new surprises. It only works with spontaneity and flexibility. I’ve learned that you no longer have the main role in planning your day. But that also made me more relaxed. I’m much more relaxed, even though I’m a perfectionist and always want to plan everything.
What did you underestimate?
The nights have become shorter. Everyone told me that before, but I didn’t listen. But these nights were easier for me than I thought (laughs).
Angelique Kerber has been training intensively for her comeback for three months
Photo: private
Their first match will be at the United Cup with Alexander Zverev. What chances do you expect?
Very difficult to assess, especially given the different conditions. We are a good team and have already played together successfully. Our group is not an easy draw and for me it is the first tournament. As I said: I don’t have a feeling yet, but I’ll do everything I can to make sure we get off to a good start.
He will probably come to Australia with short hair after not going to the hairdresser for a year after losing a bet. Would you have played with him even if he had long hair?
As long as he can still see something in the mixed doubles, it’s ok (laughs). I’m curious to see if he cuts them. Maybe he likes the long hair.
Angelique Kerber and her greatest title: Wimbledon victory in 2018
Foto: picture alliance / Laci Perenyi
Before the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo you were injured and the mixed doubles with Zverev fell through. Can you imagine a new attempt in Paris in 2024?
Very gladly! When we meet in Australia we will definitely talk about it. I would be happy about that! The Olympics in Paris are the highlight and playing for Germany is always an honor.
Speaking of a great honor: Zverev would like to be the standard bearer. Could you imagine the same thing with him?
An Olympic opening always gives me goosebumps, which is why I was there in London and Rio too. Many people don’t go there and save themselves for their competitions. I’m happy to always be able to experience that. It would be indescribable for any athlete to run in with the German flag. Everyone would feel proud there. And so it is also a dream of mine.
Angelique Kerber completely relaxed! She says that her pregnancy has made her more relaxed
Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
So you would also like to form a tennis doubles there?
Let’s wait and see, but why not?! It’s still a while away from the Olympics.
At the beginning of your pregnancy you announced that your daughter Liana would be joining you on tour and that you were expanding your team. Will that happen?
Yes, I will definitely take Liana with me, that was always clear to me. The team with trainer, physio and fitness coach will stay and the family will look after Liana.
So no nanny?
Not yet, I have positioned myself in such a way that someone from the family always comes along and helps. I simply have the greatest confidence in that. This is the best solution for me, as I can walk on the pitch relaxed and calm. But I don’t know exactly how it will work in Australia. It will first have to settle in, even who can come with you, because everyone has jobs and their own lives.
Before the Australian Open, Angelique Kerber will play the United Cup and the tournament in Adelaide
Photo: Joaquim Ferreira/dpa
You don’t have any points to defend, you can collect diligently for a year. Where do you want to be at the end of 2024?
The rankings are no longer the most important thing for me. My goals are the big tournaments, the tournament plan is geared towards that. I want to play some of them well and I know from experience that the ranking will come by itself. First of all, I want to play a lot of matches and always get as far as possible. That’s why I’m playing Adelaide after the United Cup and then the Australian Open.
Melbourne will be the comeback games. Next to you, Nadal, Osaka and Raducanu come back.
This will definitely be interesting. I’m particularly excited about Rafael Nadal and of course Naomi Osaka. She became a mother in July and is already coming back. After only half a year. I’ll take a look at that! These comebacks are all good for tennis.
2023-12-08 01:27:47
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