First Grand Slam on comeback at Australia Open excites Kerber

Admin I Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024

 

AUSTRALIA – Former world number one Angelique Kerber said she’s looking forward to her first Grand Slam tournament after making her comeback from maternity leave.

“I’m very excited to be here and to see all the faces again after 18 months,” Kerber said ahead of the start of the Australian Open on Sunday.

“For me, it’s one of the best tournaments with the best memories. It’s very special to be back here and to start,” she said.

Kerber made her comeback at the United Cup in Sydney last December after giving birth to her daughter last February and lost four of her five singles matches.

“I took a lot from the matches, but now everything is starting from scratch again and you have to fight your way back in and find your rhythm,” the three-time Grand Slam tournament winner said.

Due to her very limited match practice, Kerber hasn’t set herself a specific goal for the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, “but you have to start at some point.”

Kerber will face Danielle Collins from the US in the first round and could end up facing world number one Iga Swiatek. “It’s definitely a tough draw, but I still have the fire in me,” the German stressed.