WTA Bad Homburg: Kerber against qualifier, Lisicki demands Bencic
For Angelique Kerber , her mission to defend her title at the WTA Tour 250 tournament in Bad Homburg begins on Monday with a match against a qualifier. That was the result of the draw early on Friday evening at the FERI AG headquarters in Bad Homburg, in which tournament ambassador Kerber took part as lucky fairy.
by p.m
last edit: Jun 18, 2022, 07:57 am
The 2018 Wimbledon champion, who has been training in the spa town for days, can hardly wait for her first appearance at the Bad Homburg Center Court casino. And there is also a good omen: In 2021, Kerber started her triumphal march with a duel against a qualifier.
“Grass is simply my favorite surface. I don't need that many training sessions and I immediately feel at home on the court," said the 34-year-old, who won the successful premiere in the Kurpark last year - and then reached the semi-finals of the world's most important tournament in Wimbledon .
A total of four Grand Slam champions and the individual Olympic champion
In addition to Angelique Kerber, three other major champions are in action at the Bad Homburg Open presented by Engel & Völkers in Simona Halep (Romania), Bianca Andreescu (Canada) and Sloane Stephens (USA).
Local hero Andrea Petkovic had a difficult time competing against top seeded twelfth in the world rankings Daria Kasatkina. "I'm already looking forward to playing in front of family and friends again. This tournament is something special for me too, I'm enjoying the days and the flair here, it's just unbelievable," said Petkovic.
A special challenge also awaits Sabine Lisicki. The wildcard holder and Tour returnee challenges Olympic champion Belinda Bencic from Switzerland. In addition to Angelique Kerber, Andrea Petkovic and Sabine Lisicki, there is another German player in the main draw in Jule Niemeier (wildcard).