Tennis - Emotional Kerber leaves Wimbledon return open
Angelique Kerber sat there with shining eyes, leaving the question about her future open. Shortly after her disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon, the 36-year-old was confronted with the approaching end of her career and neither confirmed nor denied if this was her last Wimbledon appearance.
"I don't know. I didn't come here with that thought", the former world number one stated, as she had to endure the lowest point of her beloved but this time disappointing grass season. Kerber neither clearly stated 'Yes, it was my last match on the sacred grass'. Nor 'No, I want to be here in 2025 as well'. For such a question, it might have been too early after the match.
"My Tournament"
Emotionally, the Wimbledon champion of 2018 reflected on her Wimbledon history. "When I look at Wimbledon, it feels like my tournament", Kerber said. "I always look forward to coming back. I still have the most beautiful moments in my mind, and that will stay the same regardless of the match."
A half year after the end of her baby break, the grass season should have been a highlight for her. However, she won none of her three matches on the green surface. Adding her early French Open exit to the equation, she suffered four first-round losses in a row.
Kerber has experienced many ups and downs
Despite the losses, she didn't lose her enjoyment, as the three-time Grand Slam champion made clear. "I've been through that", said the Kiel native and referred to the many ups and downs that have accompanied her tennis career for a long time. In truth, Kerber has already shown several times that she can come back strongly after setbacks.
Losses no longer hurt her as much since she became mother to little Liana. She had repeated that several times. However, it was clear that the results meant little to her, as she leaned on the table with her arms and placed her Wimbledon pass next to her. She looked downcast.
Whether the match against Putinzeva will be the last chapter in her glorious Wimbledon history with the triumph in 2018 and the final in 2016 remains to be seen. Currently, she lacks the security, self-confidence, and match practice. Kerber is also waiting for a win after the third Grand Slam tournament of the year.
The former world number one might return at some point, which could make the gap in German women's tennis even more apparent. For years, it has been a topic that the next generation is lagging behind and the situation is worrying.
Kerber goes for medals in Paris
Before Jule Niemeier's match, which was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday due to the persistent rain, only Laura Siegemund made it to the second round among the initial six German women in singles. Siegemund is also 36 years old. On Thursday, she faces a big challenge against Wimbledon champion of 2022, Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan, in the Rasenklassiker.
With Siegemund, Kerber plans to start in the doubles at the Olympics. The Summer Games in Paris are Kerber's next major goal. Until the end of July, she will have to adjust to the less popular clay again. The US Open at the end of August in New York offers the last chance to close the year without a Grand Slam title.
Kerber's future in international tennis beyond Wimbledon remains undecided, as she reflected on her love for the tournament in London. Germany has been struggling with a lack of talent in women's tennis, and Kerber, with her experience, could potentially fill this gap. Next, Kerber is focusing on the Olympics in Paris, aiming to secure medals in doubles with Siegemund.
