Tennis - Siegemund announces at Wimbledon: Olympic doubles with Kerber
Former world number one Angelique Kerber from Germany will compete in the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris this summer with Siegemund in the Doppel event, according to Siegemund after her second round exit at Wimbledon. "I spoke to Angie on the phone, and she said she would be happy to play with me," said the Metzingener (36). "She wants to play doubles only if she really has medal prospects and if there's a good opportunity. And that was the best option for me."
The Olympic tennis tournament will take place from July 27 to August 4. Kerber, who won silver in the singles event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, was officially nominated for the German Olympic team like Siegemund. Kerber (36) from Kiel will also compete in the singles event at Roland Garros.
Siegemund expresses dissatisfaction with the open Mixed question
The decision regarding the German Mixed pairing will be made shortly. Tokyo Olympics champion Alexander Zverev stated in Wimbledon that he currently does not consider participating in the Mixed competition with Kerber because they would not qualify based on their current rankings. Whether he will compete in the Doppel or Mixed event depends on whether a second German Doppel team can be formed without him.
"I really hope he decides for the Mixed, as I would have a great time playing with him," confirmed Siegemund again. The two had a successful partnership at the United Cup at the beginning of the year in Australia.
She made it clear to the German Tennis Federation that she would not understand if she was not allowed to play the Mixed. "I believe I deserve it based on my performances at the United Cup and now in Paris," said the French Open winner in the Mixed: "No one can say my current form is not good enough." If Zverev does not participate, Puetz would be the candidate.
Siegemund expressed her dissatisfaction that the situation was not yet clear. "I like to know what I'm doing, and in that case, I won't know," she said: "I was only told that I would most likely play the Mixed from the women's side. I would have appreciated 100-percent confirmation."
- In addition to competing in the singles event at Roland Garros, former world number one Angelique Kerber from Germany will also participate in the Olympic tennis tournament in Paris this summer, partnering with Laura Siegemund in the Doppel event.
- Kerber, who secured a silver medal in the singles event at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, was officially nominated for the German Olympic team, just like Siegemund.
- Alexander Zverev, the current Tokyo Olympics champion, mentioned during his Wimbledon stint that he is currently not considering participating in the Mixed competition with Kerber due to their current rankings, which might not qualify them.
- Siegemund expressed her desire for Zverev to participate in the Mixed event, as she had a successful partnership with him at the United Cup earlier this year in Australia.
- Despite her strong performances at the United Cup and in Paris, Siegemund voiced her frustration over not receiving 100% confirmation about her participation in the Mixed event, as the situation remains unclear.
- If Zverev does not participate in the Mixed event, Andreas Puetz could be the potential candidate to partner with Siegemund.
