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Angelique Kerber has her sights set on the 2024 Olympics

After her baby break, Angelique Kerber wants to return to the tennis tour as soon as possible. This was revealed by the Porsche brand ambassador on the sidelines of the Leipzig Opera Ball in an interview with the Porsche Newsroom. Above all, she has one goal in mind: "I would like to play for Germany again at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris."

by p.m
last edit: Sep 27, 2022, 10:39 am

Angelique Kerber visiting the Porsche factory in Leipzig
© Porsche
Angelique Kerber visiting the Porsche factory in Leipzig

Angelique, you were the guest of honor at the Leipzig Opera Ball, where you handed over a bright yellow Porsche Macan to the lucky winner as the main prize in a raffle. How was it?

“I was very happy to be able to be part of this wonderful event. Porsche has been the presenter of this social event since 2013, which also serves a great purpose. Thanks to the raffle proceeds, many Leipzig children's and youth projects are realized. As a Porsche brand ambassador, I am of course very happy to support that.”

Before stepping onto the smooth floor of the ballroom, you could visit the Porsche factory in Leipzig. What impressed you the most?

“It was primarily the complex logistics involved in the production of the Porsche Macan. As I learned during the tour, this model stands for the success story of the Porsche location in Leipzig. In any case, I got a lot of interesting insights. And next time I would definitely like to take a sports car to the circuit and take part in one of the experience programs.”

Will you appear more as a Porsche brand ambassador during your baby break?

"I'd be happy anyway. I have time now, let's see, I'm very open. I really enjoy doing events for Porsche. I really enjoy that, especially when the focus is on social issues, as it is now at the Opera Ball in Leipzig.”

Let's talk about tennis: You commented on the final of the US Open for Eurosport. What was that experience like?

"It was interesting and a lot of fun. Tennis is my passion, my great love. I was there for so many years. I know the players, which is definitely an advantage. I know how they tick, how they prepare for a match. I hope that I was able to convey some interesting impressions to the viewers.”

They won the 2016 US Open. What memories and emotions came up?

"It was very intense. When the players went onto the pitch and after the match at the award ceremony, those were very emotional moments. A lot of pictures from 2016 went through my head, beautiful memories of unforgettable moments. That was pure goosebumps.”

The player of the hour is Iga Swiatek. What do you say about the successful series of the Pole, who after the French Open also won the US Open?

“I have a lot of respect for how sovereign she presents herself. How she deals with the pressure and all the hustle and bustle about her person, I can only take my hat off to that. She's only 21. I know her well and I'm curious to see how long she can continue at this high level."

What makes the Pole so strong?

"It's mostly their consistency. This season she not only won the Grand Slams in Paris and New York, but also the tournaments in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami and Rome as well as the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. She is mentally very strong, never lets up despite all her successes, but always keeps working hard. That and the intensity with which she carries out her game on the pitch from start to finish makes her a player who is very difficult to beat.”

Who do you trust to challenge their supremacy?

“I think Iga will stay at the top of the world rankings for a while. One player who has developed very well and has not only shown at the US Open that she can play consistently well under pressure is Coco Gauff. I trust her to soon win Grand Slam tournaments and reach for the crown.”

You play what feels like an eternity on the professional tour. What is your everyday life like without tennis?

"I haven't missed a Grand Slam in the past 13 years. So of course this is something completely new for me. But there is no better reason to take a break from tennis. I try to use this time for myself as much as possible. I keep doing sports to stay fit, and I keep playing tennis. Sport is now part of my life. Of course I'm not exaggerating. I have a lot of experience and know exactly what is good for me and what is not.”

You watched a lot of matches from the US Open on TV. How was this view from the outside for you?

"It's a completely different perception than standing on the pitch yourself. If you watch a match from start to finish, you see more details and can analyze certain situations better. With one or the other player I now know a lot better what to look out for if I meet them again."

That means: This baby break is not the end of your tennis career?

"No way. I'll try to get fit and get back on tour as soon as possible, but without rushing anything. And then I want to attack again. If I do something, I do it properly.”

What are your goals?

“One goal is the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. I would definitely like to play there. I've been to London and Rio de Janeiro, and it's very special to represent your country at such an earth-shattering event. I would like to experience this feeling again. There is still some time until then, so there is no pressure on me.”

What's coming up?

“There are various projects that are important to me. One is my autobiography, which will be published in November. I invested a lot of time and thought a lot about what I want to tell people, what message I can give to young players. That was a very intensive and very emotional occupation with my life and my career. I hope that I will make many people happy with it.”

by p.m

Tuesday
Sep 27, 2022, 11:47 am
last edit: Sep 27, 2022, 10:39 am