These are exciting times for Angelique Kerber. Germany’s most successful tennis player of recent years is expecting her first child in the spring. After that, things will be different. And yet Kerber wants to return to the tennis court afterwards.
In an interview with the German Press Agency, the 34-year-old talks about an unusual turn of the year for her, Christmas presents, tips from colleagues and her plans for a comeback.
Question: Ms. Kerber, the most important question first: How are you? Is everything going according to plan with the pregnancy?
Angelique Kerber: Great, I find my way in this new phase of life. In recent years, the Advent season has been characterized by tough training sessions and preparation for the season. While I’m still active and keeping fit, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
You mention it, normally you would be training again by now and soon get on the plane to Australia. Do you miss years of routine or are you happy to be able to enjoy the Christmas season for once?
Kerber: It’s a completely new situation for me. Of course I enjoy the deceleration, the time with my family, the opportunity to spontaneously go away for a few days without any major deadline pressure, especially now in the Advent season. But I love my sport, the routine on the tour, the thrill and the emotions of the matches. I already miss that. That’s why I want to come back.
Your last game was Wimbledon, then just before the US Open you announced you were pregnant. Have you actually had more or less time since then?
“The daily routine has changed fundamentally”
Kerber: That’s a good question (laughs). My daily routine has changed fundamentally, but in the last few weeks it has been a lot busier than I initially thought. Especially because I was very involved with the publication of my biography and the founding of the company with Manuel Neuer. A welcome change with exciting projects before things calm down over the years.
Jule Niemeier, Eva Lys and Anna-Lena Friedsam held the world group in the BJK Cup with Germany. So shouldn’t you be worried about German women’s tennis?
Kerber: Not at all, I’ve emphasized that again and again. The potential in the national team is there. We have a lot of good players, also in the younger years, who just need their time to develop. You saw how quickly that can happen in the match against Croatia in the BJK Cup. That was an impressive team effort!
At the US Open you acted as an expert for Eurosport in the final. Is something similar planned for the Australian Open in January?
Kerber: At the US Open, the idea of commenting on the final as an expert came up spontaneously. It was an exciting experience, also because I know the team at Eurosport well. But starting in January, I plan to take things a little easier. Of course I will follow the Australian Open on TV.
When was the last time you held a tennis racket?
Kerber: Just a few days ago, with the young people in my tennis academy. It’s always easier for me to keep fit with a ball and racket than just doing my sessions in the gym. It’s also fun to pass on my experience to the younger generation. That’s important to me.
The birth of a child changes everything. What are you most looking forward to? What are you perhaps a little worried about?
Kerber: Since I have a large circle of friends, most of whom already have children, I am currently receiving a lot of advice and insights into how life is likely to change. Most of them recommend that I still have to enjoy the quiet nights and get as much sleep as possible (laughs). I let everything else come my way, with humility and anticipation.
Do the first baby gifts come at Christmas or are you superstitious and don’t get everything until after the birth?
Kerber: Luckily I still have some time until that happens. So not much will change at Christmas.
Have you made any plans in your head about what life with a baby on tour could be like?
Kerber: Since I know a lot of mothers on the tour and have already talked to some of them about it, I’m of course thinking about how that can work. Balancing work and family is a major challenge. My wish is to reconcile both. But of course I also see how difficult it can be. I will have to make my own experience and let it come to me.
Exchange with other tennis moms
You’ve said you’ve been in touch with other moms like Serena Williams. What was the most valuable tip you got from Williams or Victoria Asarenka?
Kerber: Both have shown how you can be successful on the tour with children. In general, I got the advice from friends that it only works with a lot of support from those around me and that planning ahead when traveling is important.
After all these years, what drives you to return after giving birth?
Kerber: That’s easy to answer – the passion for the sport. I kept saying that before the break. That is certainly also the reason why I have always managed to come back after difficult phases. I still have goals and I want to feel those emotions back on the pitch.
Which comeback date is realistic. Will we see you on tour again in 2023?
Kerber: It’s clear to me that I’ll only return to the tour when I’m fit and feel ready. So I don’t put myself under pressure by defining a date. But it’s also clear that I want to get back to work as soon as possible.
You recently published your biography. Who gets a copy of “A Question of Will” for Christmas?
Kerber: It wouldn’t be a surprise if I revealed that now (laughs). I had a lot of fun working on the book and there is a lot of personal content in it. My wish has always been to write a book with a message. Since it is also a thank you to all those who have supported me over the past few years, I have sent the book to many companions as Christmas mail over the past few days.
Boris Becker has been free again since this week and is back in Germany. What do you wish him?
Kerber: He clearly hasn’t had an easy time. I wish him a good new beginning. And of course I would be happy if he stayed in tennis in some capacity.
About the person: Angelique Kerber (34) is the most successful tennis player since Steffi Graf. She has won three Grand Slam tournaments and was number one in the world. She is expecting her first child in the spring. After that, she definitely wants to return to the tennis tour.
WTA Profile Kerber
