With a big smile on her face Angelique Kerber declared that her current mentality is ‘similar to 2016’ following her second round win at the Australian Open.
The past 12 months have been a roller coaster for the German. A year ago, she was the world No.1 with two grand slam titles to her name. Then a series of disappointing losses saw her claim no titles as she spiralled down the rankings to a low of 21st. Raising fears that Kerber’s success on the tour has become no more.
Those fears have been eased by an unbeaten start to the season. Joining forces with new coach Wim Fissette, Kerber is currently on a seven-match winning streak on the tour after clinching the Sydney International title last week. Her latest triumph was over Croatia’s Donna Vekic in Melbourne on Thursday. Cruising to a 6-4, 6-1, win after 71 minutes of play to celebrate her birthday.
“I now have a lot of more confidence than, like, a few months ago going in a match like that.” Said Kerber.
“I’m playing good. I feel the ball. I enjoy my tennis again. I think this is the most important thing for me.”
It is no surprise that Kerber is currently enjoying life on the tour. This season she has already defeated two top 20 players, including last year’s Australian Open finalist Venus Williams. For the 30-year-old the problems of the past weren’t so much about her ability, but about her mental toughness during matches.
“It’s just the beginning of the year, but I’m feeling the tennis again. I know what to do on the court. It’s, like, in my mind just similar to 2016 than to 2017.” She said.
Sharapova next
The next test for Kerber will be against Maria Sharapova in what will be a clash of the former champions. Sharapova booked her place in the third round with a straight sets win over Anastasija Sevastova. It will be the first meeting between the two players since 2015 with Sharapova leading their head-to-head 4-3. Although Kerber has won their two most recent meetings.
“I’m looking forward to playing against her. This is the matches I’m looking forward to have, especially at the beginning of the year.” The 21st seed explained.
“I had a lot in the last few weeks. I will try to continue my run and playing good like I played also here like the last two matches.”
So what is the key to the win? For the German her focus is to concentrate on her own game and not on that of Sharapova’s.
“I’m just looking more about me, like how I will prepare, just playing my game from the first point, just of course trying to do my best.” She said.
Kerber will face Sharapova in Melbourne Park on Saturday.
