“Having your first Grand Slam two weeks later is a huge challenge,” Angelique Kerber admits her post-pregnancy comeback has her worried given the scheduling 

Angelique Kerber is returning almost after a year-and-a-half.

“Having your first Grand Slam two weeks later is a huge challenge,” Angelique Kerber admits her post-pregnancy comeback has her worried given the scheduling 

Angelique Kerber (Image via WTA)

German tennis ace Angelique Kerber is all set to stage a comeback with the 2024 United Cup after almost a year and a half. The three-time Grand Slam champion last played at Wimbledon 2022 and a lot has changed on the tour ever since. The schedule is demanding and the competition has only become intense in these 15-18 months.

Kerber knows the changed dynamics and hence is worried. The 35-year-old knows that she would have to be at her level best to survive. As Kerber is returning through the United Cup, she is worried about the year’s first Grand Slam- the 2024 Australian Open which starts just two weeks later after her first tournament after a long break. 

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Kerber sees it as a huge challenge considering the level of competition at the Grand Slam tournaments. 

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These days it’s a completely different and much more difficult task. Kicking off again at the United Cup after a one-and-a-half-year break and then having your first Grand Slam two weeks later is a huge challenge.
Angelique Kerber said. (Porsche Newsroom)

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Angelique ready but cautious for comeback

Although Angelique Kerber is worried about the changed dynamics of the tour, she feels ready to compete at the highest level after a long break. But the German also does not want to expect too much from her considering she has not played at an international tournament in a long time.

Angelique-Kerber
Angelique Kerber (Image via Porsche Newsroom)

The 35-year-old is also not totally aware of the level she stands currently as compared to her competitors and hence wants to be patient with herself. Above all, Angelique Kerber is excited about the challenge that lies ahead for her.

I feel ready, the training has gone according to plan so far, and the anticipation for the start of the season in Australia is increasing. Since it’s been almost a year and a half since my last match, I can’t estimate where I currently stand. I have to be patient.Training and matches are not comparable. The challenge is huge, but that's exactly what excites me about it. I want to compete against the best players in the world and show the fans my best tennis.
The German ace said. (H/T: Tennis World)

Notably, Angelique took a break due to the birth of her first child. She last played at Wimbledon in 2022 wherein Kerber progressed to the third round before losing to Elise Mertens. The German had defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Magda Linette in the first and the second round respectively.

At the Australian Open, Kerber had a first-round exit in 2022. She will hope to repeat her heroics from 12 years back when she takes the court in 2024. Even a semifinal qualification like 2018 would boost Kerber’s confidence immensely.

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