As far as Angelique Kerber is concerned the past 12 months has been banished permanently from her memory as she shines at the Australian Open.
During 2017 she dropped from world No.1 to outside the top 20, failed to win a WTA title and managed to defeat only one top 10 player (Karolina Pliskova). It could be forgiven to think that it was the beginning of the end of Kerber’s dominance on the tour. Many feared the worst, but the 30-year-old has the determination and self-belief to turn her fortunes around.
“Last year was different. A lot of expectation and everything around. Let’s not talk about last year.” Kerber told reporters on Monday.
“This year our goal is from the first match to fight for every point and also try to improve my game in every single match.”
During the off-season, Kerber joined forces with Belgian coach Wim Fissette. Who has previously coached players such as Johanna Konta, Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka. The new partnership has got off to a dream start. Earlier this month Kerber won the Sydney International, ending her 15-month title drought. Now at the Melbourne grand slam, she has once again established herself as a contender for the biggest titles in the sport.
“It’s a new voice who is speaking to me. We sit down a lot of times and we are speaking about my game, where we can still improve a few things. It’s a different voice actually who is speaking to me.” The former world No.1 said about her work with Fissette.
“I think I needed the change and that’s why I decide to change everything. I think it was a good decision to do it.”
Scoring a one-sided third round win against Maria Sharapova, the German experienced greater difficulty during her last 16 clash with Hsieh Su-wei. A former two-time doubles grand slam champion that has been ranked as high as 23rd in the world. Kerber required more than two hours to prevail 4-6, 7-5, 6-2, over the 32-year-old. Securing her place in the last eight of a major first the first time since 2016.
Relishing in the fact she in now on a nine-match winning streak, questions are mounting about if she can match or even eclipse the form that brought her success two years ago. Back in 2016 Kerber claim a trio of WTA trophies, including the Australian and US open titles.
“I think it’s just the beginning of the year still, and of course I’m feeling good. I’m fit, and physically, mentally, I’m feeling really confident and very good. But let’s see what a year will bring.” She said.
“I just enjoy my tennis again, and I think this is the most important thing for me when I’m on court that I fight, that I play my game.”
The next test of Kerber’s resurgence will be 17th seed Madison Keys. A player who she dominates 6-1 in their head-to-head. She heads into the match as the lower ranked player, but as the one tipped for the win. Just one example of the incredible turnaround achieved by the world No.16.
Kerber is once again back competing at the top of the women’s tour. The question is how long is she staying there for this time?
Kerber’s Australian Open run so far
R1 – def. Anna-Lena Friedsam (GER) 6-4, 6-0
R2 – def. Donna Vekic (CRO) 6-4, 6-1
R3 – def. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 6-1, 6-3
R4 – def Hsieh Su-wei (TPE) 4-6, 7-5, 6-2,
QF – Vs. Madison Keys (USA) TBD
