Jule Niemeier proves in Wimbledon that the “golden generation” around Angelique Kerber is also followed by talent. The old guard is immensely important in two respects.
Angelique Kerber took a close look. And what they are in before their second round win Wimbledon on the TV screen impressed and delighted her. “You could see that she believed in winning and that she can beat top players”said Kerber about the young Jule Niemeier, who is supposed to take over her inheritance in the not too distant future.
Angelique Kerber and Tatjana Maria with a lot of experience
The 34-year-old Kerber is still touring around the tennis world and is in the same age group as Tatjana Maria and Niemeier All England Club in the round of the best 32 players. That, in turn, makes national coach Barbara Rittner happy “grateful for every month” is that Kerber, Niemeier’s doubles partner Andrea Petkovic or the mother of two Maria still play.
“On the one hand, because the experienced give the youngsters time, and on the other hand, because they can pass on their experience in training and doubles.”Rittner told the SID: “Petko in particular is such a positive person, but Angie is also opening up more and more Fed Cup gave a great speech in Kazakhstan.” Kerber confirms that: “I like to give something back, I’m always open and I want to help them.”
Niemeier and Schunk as young talents
22-year-old Niemeier or 18-year-old Nastasja Schunk need help and time to put together the many parts that are needed for a successful professional career. “With Jule, the puzzle is just being put together”said Rittner: “She has a very professional team around her and is sure to benefit from the experience she is gaining.”
The former Wimbledonwinner in the juniors, longtime Fed Cupboss and today’s TV expert has often been ridiculed when she praised the successors of the “golden generation”. For a long time it was said: there follows a hole, nothing can come after it. Of course she feels confirmed, said Rittner after Niemeier’s surprise against Anett Kontaveit, number two on the seeding list. “But I’ve been around long enough and close enough that I can assess the potential well.”
Niemeier confident: “I can beat almost anyone”
Incidentally, she was also laughed at back then when she Grand Slamtitles from the generation around Kerber, Andrea Petkovic and Julia Görges predicted. There were three, including Kerber’s Wimbledon victory in 2018, the first German after Steffi Graf.
Even Rittner cannot say with certainty whether Niemeier has this potential, the great success on the globalized tennis tour depends on too many factors. “I know that there can be setbacks. Above all, Jule has to stay healthy.”, said Rittner. But: “Right now she’s on the verge of making it to the front.” Already in Wimbledonwhere she meets Lesia Zurenko on Friday – a solvable task.
In Niemeier’s eyes anyway. “I can beat almost everyone here”, she said. Angelique Kerber will have listened carefully. Even if that is still a long way off: in the semifinals there could be a duel of generations.