Angelique Kerber is refusing to succumb to the mounting criticism piling against her following a 6-1, 6-3, loss to Naomi Osaka in the first round at the US Open.
The German, who lifted the New York title 12 months ago, was far from her best. Given her ranking, she was expected to be the dominator in the match. Instead, it was 19-year-old Osaka who made all the shots and orchestrated the entire match on her own terms.
Kerber’s fans agonised as they watch the world No.6 struggle on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The same venue where she won her second grand slam title. Her winner-error count of 9-23 is almost fitting for what has been a nightmare year for the former world no.1.
“I think it was not my day, completely not my day today.” Said Kerber. “Of course, the matches are always different than practice, and I just can say that I was practicing a lot in the last few weeks and months.”
In 2016, there was a sense of a new era in women’s tennis brewing. Kerber was a delight to watch play for many, hitting the ball with high intensity and fighting for every point. Winning a total of three titles on the WTA Tour. A year later she is yet to win a title in 2017 and is set to exit the world’s top 10 for the first time since September 2015.
“I’m still the same player and the same person.” The German stated when comparing the two seasons. “I think it’s just the matches and how I played last year from the beginning and how I’m struggling this year.”
Throughout the season, a positive Kerber has assured that she has been practising well. The problem is putting that practice into motion on the tour. In the first eight months of the year she has failed to defeat a top 20 player.
“I know how good I can play. I know how good I practiced the last few weeks, but, yeah, sometimes we have these days, and at the end, this is sport. You never know what happens.”
The act of defiance
It appears as if the 29-year-old is reaching a crossroads in her career. She knows how to be the best in the world, but producing it has turned into a near impossible task.
There is still light at the end of the tunnel. After her Osaka thrashing, Kerber has vowed to return to the tour stronger than before. Although there are still warnings in place. The US Open is the second grand slam of the season where she has lost in the first round.
“I know that I’m strong and I know that I will come back stronger, for sure. I know that I will not give up like this.” Kerber pledged.
Brushing aside her Tuesday defeat, doubts remain about what the future is for Kerber. She is determined in her words, but putting those into action is another matter.
