Angelique Kerber - "At Wimbledon I want to enjoy every second"
With her win at Wimbledon in 2018, Angelique Kerber fulfilled the tennis dream of her life. Before the start of the world's most famous tennis tournament on June 28, the Porsche brand ambassador looks back on the greatest success of her career - and tells of her particular love for the traditional event in the London suburb.
by PM
last edit:
Jun 25, 2021, 07:45 am
The 13 should be the lucky number for Angelique Kerber. This is her 13th serve at Wimbledon, and since she discovered her love for the Grand Slam tournament at her first start in 2007 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a lot has changed on the time-honored facility. It has become more modern and functional over the years, but it has not lost its old charm and traditional values. The Porsche brand ambassador thinks that's a good thing. In an interview with the Porsche Newsroom, she raved about the ambience and the unique atmosphere. Since she is not one of the top favorites this year, she does not feel too much pressure. She wants to enjoy that, she says: "I will remember the many beautiful moments of 2018 and just try to play my best tennis."
These days, Germany's best tennis player is often asked what she remembered most of July 14, 2018, when she fulfilled the tennis dream of her life with the win against Serena Williams. You don't have to think twice. “The award ceremony,” she says. “When I held the bowl in my hands, it was an incredible feeling of happiness.” Even as a child she wanted to win Wimbledon, she says, and when she finally made it three years ago after two very intense weeks, it was “an unforgettable moment full of joy and pride. "
"Every player wants to win Wimbledon"
Since Angelique Kerber has been traveling around the world on the professional tour, Wimbledon has been the highlight of the season for her. “It's the tournament that every player wants to win,” says the three-time Grand Slam winner. What makes Wimbledon so special? “This tournament is known all over the world. It doesn't matter whether people are interested in tennis or not - everyone is familiar with Wimbledon, ”she says. “The great tradition of this tournament can be felt all over the course, and I think it's nice how this tradition is maintained.” Unlike many of her colleagues, she has no problem with the fact that Wimbledon is still played entirely in white. On the contrary. “I don't mind,” she says. "That is just part of it."
As a player who has already won this most important tournament of the year, she looks forward to her first match on one of the 19 grass pitches with a certain serenity. "You're a lot more relaxed there," she says. “You have already fetched the bowl and you know that nobody will take it away from you.” Nevertheless, there is no bonus for former winners. What was once no longer counts. “It starts all over again every year, with new players and a new draw,” she says. "And you have to win the first round to play the second, just like in any other tournament."
"My name is forever on the bowl"
But the motivation to play well and stay in the tournament as long as possible is always there for the 33-year-old from Kiel. What are her expectations for Wimbledon? “Playing in front of spectators at this great tournament is what motivates me the most. I want to enjoy every second, "she says, emphasizing how much she is looking forward to this tournament:" I often played very well there, not only when I won. In 2012 I was in the semi-finals, which many have already forgotten, and in 2016 I was in the final for the first time. I prefer to play on grass. In addition, I am injury-free and have trained well. These are ideal conditions. "
No matter how far she goes in her career at Wimbledon, she will always be part of the history of this tournament. That means a lot to her. “That's something very special,” she says. “My name is forever on the bowl, and as a former winner, I am very welcome to Wimbledon all my life. These are things that fill me with a lot of joy and pride. "