One more time: Angelique Kerber set for retirement u-turn to face Ana Ivanovic this summer

Friday, 27 March 2026 at 04:30

Angelique Kerber will return to the tennis court for a final appearance, two years after retiring from professional tennis. The three-time Grand Slam champion is set to play an official farewell match at a venue closely tied to her career.

On June 20, the 38-year-old will face long-time rival and friend Ana Ivanović at the WTA grass-court tournament in Bad Homburg, according to Bild. The occasion carries added significance for Kerber, who is now closely involved with the event.

Emotional farewell alongside Ivanović

“It’s the perfect stage for a special day with lots of emotions,” Kerber said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting Ana, because somehow this match also closes a circle. We’ve known each other for a really long time, she’s one of my best friends and we’ve spent a lot of time together on and off the court.”

The match will mark the opening of the Bad Homburg tournament, where Kerber serves as tournament director. She also lifted the title at the event’s inaugural edition in 2021, defeating Petra Kvitová in the final.

A defining career in women’s tennis

Kerber remains one of the most successful German players of the modern era. She won the Australian Open and US Open in 2016, before adding the Wimbledon title in 2018. She also reached world No. 1 and held the top ranking for a total of 34 weeks.

Her career was defined not only by results but by consistency, defensive resilience, and mental strength, qualities that allowed her to compete at the highest level across multiple seasons.

Life beyond competition

Since retiring, Kerber has shifted her focus toward her personal life while maintaining a strong connection to the sport. Alongside her role in Bad Homburg, she has remained active in tennis through development initiatives and support for younger players.

Despite the exhibition nature of the farewell, Kerber suggested she will approach the match competitively, stating she will “not give Ivanović anything for the last time either.”

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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