Tennis in the Summer Olympics - After a hard fight, Kerber's career ends at Olympia.
Angelique Kerber Bids Farewell After a Worthy Olympic Run Without a Medal
Angelique Kerber bowed out of the Olympics in France without a medal, following a worthy exit. Her Olympic quarterfinal match against Chinese player Qinwen Zheng will be remembered as a dramatic swansong for the exceptional player. In a thrilling 7:6 (7:4), 4:6, 6:7 (6:8) match, Kerber demonstrated her immense fighting spirit. Despite the loss, the former world number one left the tennis stage without the fairytale medal finish.
Yet, the most successful German tennis player since Steffi Graf still managed a dignified exit. Leading 4:1 and 6:5 in the third set, the German hope couldn't maintain her advantage. Fans tried to rally her with "Angie, Angie" chants, and she bravely saved three match points in a row in the tiebreak. However, after 3 hours and 4 minutes, a happy ending remained elusive.
The Most Successful German Tennis Player After Steffi Graf Retires
One of the most popular and well-known German athletes of the past decade is stepping away from the sport. Kerber is a champion of the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, Wimbledon winner in 2018, and was once the top-ranked player in the world. A record like hers may not be seen again in the German Tennis Federation's women's division for a long time.
Now a mother to a nearly 17-month-old daughter, Kerber's comeback after her maternity break was challenging and marked by poor results for months. Only after announcing that the Olympics would be her last tournament did Kerber play freely.
She had promised to give her all in every point and every game, and she delivered impressively, even if it wasn't quite enough in the end.
The drama that unfolded in Kerber's final match was not immediately apparent. The quarterfinal against the Chinese top-ten player began in a unique atmosphere on the nearly empty Court Philippe-Chatrier. After Dominik Koepfer's loss to Serbian Wimbledon finalist Novak Djokovic (5:7, 3:6), spectators used the break to briefly leave the stadium.
Kerber took advantage of the Chinese player's poor start to secure an early break and lead 3:1. However, the world number seven stepped up her game, putting pressure on Kerber with high-speed shots from the baseline. Kerber briefly lost her focus and dropped four consecutive games.
But those who thought Kerber would lose the first set were mistaken. The left-hander cleverly mixed in higher, slower balls to disrupt her 15-year-younger opponent and regained a 6:5 lead.
As the match intensified, the three-time Grand Slam champion remained composed and confident, even after losing her serve and being forced into a tiebreak. Despite the oppressive heat and the strain of playing two matches the previous day, including a doubles match, Kerber kept her nerve.
Her mother Beata, partner Franco Bianco, coach Torben Beltz, and manager were among those on the tribune, cheering her on. The third set would decide the match.
In the second set, Kerber's consistency was a key factor. However, it was the third set that would ultimately decide the match. Despite her best efforts, Kerber couldn't quite pull off the victory.
After losing her serve, the 36-year-old left the court to change and compose herself. Just in time, the roof was closed as rain began to fall. Leading 3-1 and facing a grueling rally on her own serve, she urged the crowd to cheer her on as she fought off a potential break. Despite her determination, she ultimately lost the match.
Despite being the most successful German tennis player after Steffi Graf, Angelique Kerber retired from the sport after a challenging comeback following her maternity break. Even in her final Olympic tournament, represented by the German Tennis Association, Kerber displayed her legendary fighting spirit and grit, ultimately retiring without a medal.
