Shortly before the French Open: Angelique Kerber fights for the title in Strasbourg
Angelique Kerber (WTA No. 22) ended a long dry spell with the title in Strasbourg. She gained self-confidence in time for the French Open, but is also going to Paris with heavy legs.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: May 21, 2022, 06:38 pm
Just in time for the French Open, Angelique Kerber can celebrate a long-awaited sense of achievement - and a memorable one at that. The three-time Grand Slam winner triumphed in a dramatic finale at the WTA tournament in Strasbourg one day before the start in Roland Garros. After more than three hours, Kerber defeated the Slovenian Kaja Juvan 7: 6 (5), 6: 7 (0), 7: 6 (5) and travels to Paris with confidence, but also with heavy legs.
Kerber hadn't won a clay court title for six years, and she recently failed her opening hurdle three times in a row at the French Open. After a weak season so far, she reported at short notice to the preparatory tournament in Alsace in order to at least get some match practice after a number of bankruptcies. Hardly anyone expected the 14th triumph of their successful career.
But Kerber (34) fought from round to round, was happy about the long matches and her increasing form and crowned her small run by defeating Juvan, who was ten years her junior. Provided she recovers quickly from the exertion of the marathon final, the first round in Roland Garros against Magdalena Frech (Poland) should not be a problem in this condition.
Against Juvan, against whom she was eliminated at the French Open in 2020, the Kiel native fought back in the first round after two breaks, fended off a set ball and kept her nerves in the tie-break. In terms of running, Kerber presented himself at the top level, serve and forehand also worked - but above all her body language was reminiscent of the successful past.
Kerber victory in Strasbourg rather unexpected
Kerber repeatedly freed himself from tricky situations and didn't let his head hang even after heavy setbacks. In the second set, she caught up a 1:4 deficit, was only two points away from the title and still had to go into extra time, which she won again with nerves of steel and strong play. These comeback qualities helped Kerber win the biggest titles in 2016 (Australian and US Open) and 2018 (Wimbledon).
Strasbourg does not belong on this list, but Kerber should be particularly proud of this unexpected triumph. It is also a sign of the French Open and beyond: the high point of the clay court season is followed immediately by the change to their beloved lawn with their home tournament in Bad Homburg and the mythical Grand Slam on Church Road in London's Wimbledon district.
Martina Trevisan triumphs in Rabat
At the 250cc tournament in Rabat/Morocco, which also ended today, the Italian Martina Trevisan won the title. She beat USA's Claire Liu 6-2, 6-1. For the 28-year-old it was the first tournament win at WTA level.