Angelique Kerber impressively shows in Indian Wells that she can still play very good tennis even after the birth of her daughter. Now a very special match awaits: With Caroline Wozniacki she meets a good friend who is also a mother.
Kerber from Kiel and Caroline Wozniacki from Denmark, who both have Polish roots, have much more in common than a superficial tennis acquaintance. The two former world number one also chat about very private things like their children and life as a mom on tour. But of course also about their sport, in which the two returnees are currently causing a stir: overnight they will surprisingly meet in the round of 16 at the Masters tournament in Indian Wells.
Kerber impressed in Indian Wells
Kerber’s strong form is particularly surprising. After the birth of her daughter Liana in February 2023 and her comeback at the United Cup at the end of the year, the 36-year-old had only managed one victory – none on the WTA tour.
Now, at the tournament in the California desert, where a total of seven mothers took part, she easily defeated the Croatian Petra Martic at the start, threw the world number 10 Jelena Ostapenko out of the tournament after being down one set, and also impressed on Sunday with 6:4, 7: 5 against the Russian Weronika Kudermetowa.
“We are friends now, and we will still be friends after the match.”
— Angelique Kerber on Caroline Wozniacki
Kerber himself is currently ranked 607th in the global rankings. The Bremen-born woman’s hope of gaining momentum after the difficult return to work in Australia has come true. She works, fights and shouts her famous “Come on” through the arenas. Anyone who thought their comeback would lead to a farewell tour without any real sporting ambition will now be proven wrong. Apparently Kerber has found her rhythm.
The only thing that counts on the court is tennis, next to Liana
Kerber plays more and more confidently and soaks up the successful moments: “When I’m on the court, I try to switch into a tennis player. Off the court, I concentrate on my life as a mother and just try to forget about tennis and enjoy every moment .”
This dual role requires a lot of strength and organization. “You have to be very flexible and make a good plan for the day,” said the three-time Grand Slam winner, who can also rely on her family’s support.
Friendship with Wozniacki grew
Kerber can talk to Wozniacki about the life of a professional tennis-playing mother. The connection to the Dane has grown over the years. “I get along very well with Caro, we are very good friends,” emphasized Kerber in California these days.
Wozniacki also invited her friend Kerber to her farewell game in April 2022 in Copenhagen. The following year, after the birth of her second child, she became ambitious again. Kerber returned to the scene at the beginning of 2024 and is now showing that she can still do it.
“There are more important things than a tennis match”
The duel with Wozniacki is the next highlight for her. “Of course we will both try to win,” said Kerber, but also emphasized: “We are friends now, and we will still be friends after the match.” Their record of 8:7 wins in direct duels has been positive so far. But both of them have become much more relaxed, because in the end there are really “more important things than a tennis match” anyway. A perspective she shares with Wozniacki.
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Sports current | 03/12/2024 | 1:17 p.m
2024-03-12 09:07:25
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