Three-time main winner Angelique Kerber will make her return to skilled tennis on the United Cup this week, with the German star reasonable in regards to the challenges she’ll face after lacking the previous 18 months following the start of her daughter again in February.
Kerber hasn’t performed since Wimbledon in 2022 however will be a part of Naomi Osaka at subsequent month’s Australian Open, with the previous world primary additionally changing into a mom earlier this 12 months.
Melbourne is a contented searching floor for Kerber who gained her first grand slam there in 2016 when she beat Serena Williams within the closing.
But she accepts she’ll must be affected person in her comeback which begins on Saturday when Germany faces Italy in Group D of the United Cup in Sydney.
“To come back to the tour in Australia is the perfect start for me, especially for Team Germany at the United Cup,” she stated, with their subsequent tie in opposition to France two days later.
“It’s been 18 months away from professional tennis and a lot has happened since then with the birth of my baby daughter. I’ve heard great things about the event and the strength of the player field is really impressive.
“Representing my country in the past has always been an honour. Even more so, it’s a special occasion for me to play my first match back on the tour for Team Germany at the United Cup.
“Each group is difficult, but I’m hoping we’ll have a good run.”
Kerber will staff up with Alexander Zverev for the match, with the pair eager to repeat their 2018 and 2019 kind which noticed them make the Hopman Cup finals.
The German veteran has a terrific document in Sydney having overwhelmed Aussie ace Ash Barty within the 2018 closing of the Sydney International, however quite a bit has modified since then, with Kerber not anticipating an excessive amount of after so lengthy away from the game.
“Winning the title in Sydney in 2018 is a great memory, but I’m realistic about the challenges that come with making a comeback after being away from competitive tennis for almost 1.5 years,” she stated.
“I need to be patient and I’m hoping that the familiar surrounding on Ken Rosewall Arena will make it easier for me to get back into my rhythm.
“Coming back to Australia is always a good feeling. Over the years, I’ve collected some of the best memories during the Australian tennis summer, such as winning my first Grand Slam title at the AO.
“The fans are so great and really love the game. I’ve played at many different cities here over the years and I’m truly excited to start my season once again down under.”
Source: www.news.com.au
