Berlin
Germany’s tennis star Angelique Kerber faced a challenging return to the Australian Open after the birth of her daughter Liana. In her first major appearance since becoming a mother, Kerber’s journey came to an end in the first round with a hard-fought match against Danielle Collins. The match lasted one hour and 52 minutes, resulting in a 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 defeat for Kerber. Despite the loss, this marked a significant milestone for the 35-year-old, who joined the exclusive group of mothers competing in the main draw at Melbourne. Kerber acknowledged the difficulties of making a comeback after an 18-month hiatus due to motherhood. She expressed the need for patience, understanding that the process might take weeks or even months. Her return to professional tennis after giving birth on February 23 last year presented a unique challenge in her illustrious career. Describing the changes after becoming a mother, Kerber mentioned that when she returns to the hotel after a match, she has to be someone else. Despite the challenges, she remains determined and ambitious, creating a supportive environment with her mother, partner, coach Torben Beltz, and physiotherapist Timo Schall. German head coach Barbara Rittner expressed admiration for Kerber’s ambitions and determination. While the Australian Open comeback ended in defeat, Kerber sees the experience as a learning curve and a step towards regaining success. She emphasized the need for time and more games to get back into peak form. Kerber’s journey resonates with other mothers in tennis, including Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki, who also faced challenges in their returns to competitive play. Despite the initial setback, Kerber remains focused and determined to continue her tennis journey.
