Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Angelique Kerber - "All players love this tournament"
The 13 should be a lucky number for Angelique Kerber . When the world's best players play at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix from April 16 to 24, the Porsche brand ambassador will be there for the 13th time.
by p.m
last edit:
Apr 13, 2022, 11:00 am
She has already celebrated two victories in the Stuttgart Porsche Arena, in 2015 and 2016. In an interview, she talks about the great popularity of the traditional tournament among the players, the extremely strong starting field with nine top 10 players and her chances of a third success.
Angelique, why do you and your colleagues like coming to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix?
“We players love this tournament. For us it is something like an oasis of well-being in the stressful everyday life on tours. The feeling of being warmly welcomed is particularly nice, regardless of whether you are a star or a qualifier. The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has accompanied me throughout my career since I played the qualification for the first time in 2005. I was able to gain a lot of important experience there, which helped me in my career. Even if I lost, I learned from it. I always look forward to returning to Stuttgart.”
How important is it for you that spectators are allowed into the Porsche Arena again this year?
“I missed the fans and the great atmosphere the most last year. There were just a few cardboard placeholders for the scenery. Of course there was no comparison. What has always motivated me the most is going out on the pitch, doing my best and seeing the fans cheering for me, cheering me on and keeping their fingers crossed for me. For me, that is one of the best things about my job.”
With nine top 10 players, the tournament is extremely well attended again this year. Does that give you extra motivation?
"Definitely. Strong opponents are always an additional motivation for me. That was the case with my first win, when I had to deal with the then number 1 Caroline Wozniacki in the final. It speaks for this tournament that so many top players are at the start year after year. It's a challenge I'm really looking forward to."
Was that also the nicest of your two victories at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix?
“When you win such a great tournament for the first time, you never forget it. In this respect, the win against Caroline was the nicest thing I was able to celebrate in Stuttgart. The finale was a real thriller. I was behind in the third set, but with the support of the crowd I managed to turn the match around. In 2016 against Laura Siegemund, who made it to the final as a qualifier, it was the other way around. I was the big favorite there and had all the pressure. That was also an important experience in my career, which I associate with this tournament.”
You haven't played too many matches this season. How realistic are your fans' hopes for a third win?
"It's important for me to have a certain match rhythm in order to be able to perform at my best. This year it was a bit difficult for me to get into my normal playing rhythm at the beginning. I had a very good pre-season, trained hard, but then Corona threw me back. I hope that I can now get the match practice in Stuttgart that I'm still lacking. I think from match to match. I will put my heart on the court and give everything to be able to show my best tennis with the support of the fans. We'll see how well I can do that and what's possible for me."
An additional motivation is certainly the Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo as the main prize for the winner.
“All players are eager to win the Porsche. I can confirm that. For all of us, this is the most beautiful winner's trophy on the WTA Tour. During our matches on center court, we keep an eye on the car for a week. There is no better motivation.”