Suffering a loss in the semi-final of a grand slam tournament is always a disappointment, but for Angelique Kerber it was a sign of her resurgence back to the highest level of women’s tennis.
The two-time grand slam champion fought hard against top seed Simona Halep in their roller coaster encounter on Thursday, getting edged out 9-7 in the deciding set. During the match, the German regained composure after going behind 0-5 at the start and had two match point opportunities during a tense decider.
“I was fighting until the last point, and I came back after the first set and also when I was, 3-5 down in the third set. I think for me I was just fighting for every point.” Kerber said after the match.
“You have days where you’re not feeling good, but my heart was on court, and I think this is, for me, the most important thing that I put everything on the court.”
The outcome wasn’t the one the 2016 champion wanted in Melbourne, but it could be argued that it is the bigger picture that matters more. Last year saw Kerber fall from grace. Starting 2016 as world No.1, she ended the season at 21st in the world. Failing to win a title and losing in the first round of two major tournaments. Her rise on the tour was almost as dramatic as her fall as she struggled to find belief in her game.
Life on the tour started to get better for Kerber following the appointment of her new coach Wim Fissette during the off-season. A Belgian national that has previously worked with stars such as Johanna Konta, Victoria Azarenka and Kim Clijsters. During the early round of the Australian Open, Kerber said that she appointed Fissette because she wanted ‘a new voice’ in her camp. A decision that has so far paid off. Prior to the first major of the season, she won the Sydney International. Her first WTA title since the 2016 US Open.
“I know that I’m back, and I know that I can play again good tennis in front of amazing crowds and playing tough matches, winning also matches where I’m down and fighting until the last point.” She explained.
“For me, the most important thing is that I’m again on court, and I’m fighting. I have my heart there. I really enjoy every single moment.”
Kerber’s resurrection on the tour isn’t solely down to her performance. It is also the mental side too. Tennis coach Fredrik Rosengren, who is currently mentoring Kyle Edmund, recently told the media that tennis ‘is a mental game.’ Rosengren has also previously coached Magnus Norman and Robin Soderling.
The past 12 months have been a rocky journey for the 30-year-old, but the future is bright. Set to re-enter the top 10 for the first time since August, the latest chapter of Kerber’s career might just be beginning. Something her rivals on the tour will be keeping a close eye on.
I left my ❤ out there! Thanks to everyone that shared the excitement with me during this trip…including the emotional rollercoaster ride tonight! I’m proud of this journey and grateful for the support 🙏🏼 #TeamAngie pic.twitter.com/bry3ZUNZae
— Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) January 25, 2018
Kerber’s start to 2018
Hopman Cup (singles only)
RR def. Elise Mertens (BEL)
RR def. Eugenie Bouchard (CAN)
RR def. Daria Gavrilova (AUS)
WTA Sydney
R1 def. Lucie Safarova (CZE)
R2 def. Venus Williams (USA)
QF def. Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)
SF def. Camila Giorgi (ITA)
F def. Ash Barty (AUS)
Australian Open
R1 def. Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER)
R2 def. Donna Vekic (CRO)
R3 def. Maria Sharapova (RUS)
R4 def. Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)
QF def. Madison Keys (USA)
SF lost to Simona Halep (ROM)
