Without the injured Alexander Zverev, Angelique Kerber carries a large part of the German tennis hopes at the classic lawn in Wimbledon.
Four years after her great triumph on Church Road, the 34-year-old starts the tournament against Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic on Monday. Before the start, the three-time Grand Slam winner talks about her special feeling, the return of Serena Williams and the lack of world ranking points.
…about the Wimbledon moment on the return:
“The Wimbledon moment only comes when you have arrived here, when you drive in here by car, enter the facility and know: it will start in a few days. All the memories come up, you know where and how to warm up. The routine comes back, you arrive mentally and know that now your head is completely in Wimbledon. It’s a nice feeling.”
…about the favorite role:
“I think a lot of people can win. You could also see that in the last Grand Slams, that there are always surprises. Iga Swiatek has so much self-confidence, plays very well on grass. You have to beat them here first .”
…about the comeback of Serena Williams:
“I take all my hats off to her for getting fit again. She knows what she’s capable of, she’s won so many titles here, grass is one of her favorite surfaces. I definitely have a lot of confidence in her. If she does something , then she’s doing something right. And that’s what she’s here for, she’s clearly communicated that.”
…about the missing world ranking points:
“For me, there was never any question of not playing Wimbledon – whether with or without points. I’m not the one who plays for the points or the rankings, but for the sport. Anyone who hasn’t understood what it’s about , didn’t quite understand the sport either.”