Former champion Angelique Kerber is undecided about what to do about her coaching situation after suffering another disappointing grand slam loss at the US Open.
The world No.14 fell 7-5, 0-6, 6-4, to France’s Kristina Mladenovic in the first round on Monday. Making it the third consecutive major where the German has failed to win back-to-back matches. A stark contrast to 2016 when she won both the Australian and US Open titles. Kerber hasn’t won a trophy on the WTA Tour since her triumph over Serena Williams at the 2018 Wimbledon Championships.
“I think it was not my best match, but, I mean, she played a good tactic against me. I played good in the second set and was up-and-down match.” She commented about her latest loss.
“Of course the first rounds are always not so easy, especially I played not so well in the last few weeks.”
Kerber has only won one match in four tournaments played since July. A decline for a player who was runner-up at tournaments in Indian Wells and Eastbourne during the first half of 2019. Last month she split with coach Rainer Schuettler. Saying ‘it’s the right time for a fresh start.’ Although it is unclear as to what direction she is now heading in.
Questioned about her current coaching setup at the US Open, the 31-year-old admitted that she was unsure if she will replace Schuettler. Although she has ruled out the possibility of a reunion with former mentor Torben Beltz.
“I think Torben has a good job right now. And we are still friends and I think it’s good like it is now.” She stated.
The three-time Grand Slam champion will now head to Asia in a hope that she can regain some of her form. Putting her recent results on the tour to the back of her mind. This season Kerber has only managed to claim four wins in the grand slams. Her lowest tally since 2009.
“Of course it’s disappointing, especially after all the years here where I played good, with where I had a lot of emotions.” She said.
“This is tennis. I mean, every year is different. Of course all the last years, every year it was different. Yeah, I have to deal with this situation this year, and trying to doing it better the next time. Yeah, forgetting the match as soon as I can.”
As Kerber exits the tournament, Mladenovic will play compatriot Fiona Ferro in the second round.
