From saving match point in the first round to beating Serena in the final – Angelique Kerber recalls her epic Australian Open title after 10 years

Angelique Kerber returned to Australia ten years after her historic triumph in Melbourne, where she claimed her first Grand Slam title. Her victory in 2016 marked a turning point in her career, establishing her as one of the most consistent players on the tour.

From surviving a match point in the first round against Misaki Doi to defeating Serena Williams in the final, that tournament changed her professional trajectory forever. The German recalled in a recent interview with Andrea Petkovic on Tennis Channel about her epic title a decade ago. “It’s amazing. Being back here ten years later, winning the 2016 trophy, I think everything changed since then. I was match point down in the first round, and two weeks later I held the trophy. It’s just crazy.”

The triumph over Serena Williams, 6–4, 3–6, 6–4, was not only a historic moment but also a time when Kerber felt she reached her best tennis. “Beating Serena in the final I played my best tennis. Time is flying so fast. Now we are ten years later, it’s 2026, and I’m still here.”

However, that title did not come by chance. Kerber knew she had to be ready to compete at the highest level from the first match. “I knew that I had to play my best tennis. Of course, I was the underdog. Serena was the favourite. Everyone was talking about Serena.”

Kerber emphasized the importance of her mindset during the tournament and how each match built her confidence. “I didn’t want to just play a good match and have fun out there. I was really ready to go out there and win the match, because you don’t know how many finals you will play in your career. This was my first one, and I wanted to take my chance and win it.” Her focus was fully oriented toward capitalizing on the historic opportunity in front of her.

Up until the start of 2016, Kerber had several good campaigns in major tournaments. She reached the US Open semifinals in 2011 and Wimbledon in 2012, and had spent four consecutive seasons in the top 10. Nevertheless, she still needed to take the next step to establish herself as a contender for major titles in years dominated by players like Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova, Li Na, and Victoria Azarenka.

The German recalled how the Australian crowd played a decisive role in her performance. “I love the crowd here in Australia. They got through the two weeks with me, from the first round. Then I won against Azarenka in the quarterfinals, which I had never beaten before, and I won against her here,” commented Kerber regarding the quarterfinals against then-world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka. “I remember the crowd really pushed me to win that match. And also in the final, I really heard the crowd and they pushed me through it. It was just a perfect night for me.”

After consolidating her level throughout the tournament, Kerber reached her first Grand Slam final against Serena Williams – champion of 21 majors up to that point (including five Australian Opens) and winner of three Grand Slams the previous year. Facing a dominant Serena did not intimidate her.

In the final, Kerber had to overcome critical moments, including long rallies and missed match opportunities. “I was so nervous. You cannot imagine how nervous I was serving. Everyone knows my serve was not the best,” Kerber said. “I was actually really happy when it was 5–4 in the third set and Serena was serving. I knew I just had to get the return back and fight for every point.”

This title was not only an individual victory but also a turning point that consolidated her position in world tennis. The combination of technical skill and mental strength Kerber displayed during Melbourne 2016 would lay the foundation for subsequent successes, including her rise to world No. 1. “When she missed the volley, everything went through my mind. Winning your first Grand Slam, especially here in Australia, which I love. I spent my birthdays here so many times. It always felt like home.”

After her Australian success, Kerber continued her career with outstanding results that culminated in her rise to world No. 1 in 2016. The German described the experience as unique, highlighting the pressure and value of her achievements. “It was unbelievable. Ending the year as number one was even more special for me.

"I became number one after winning the US Open, and I was so stressed during that tournament,” the former world No. 1 said. “After every match, the press were asking me if one more win would get me to number one. I was so stressed. But I did both at the same time. I won my second Grand Slam and reached number one.”

The achievement gave her a sense of validation and confidence. “That felt really good because I earned it. Sometimes you just play well and other players lose points and you become number one. This was different. I took it myself. I was really proud. I had so much confidence that year.”

Kerber also highlighted her performance at Wimbledon 2016 and the Olympics, where she won a silver medal. “I also won the silver medal, and I reached the Wimbledon final, which nobody talks about because I lost it. But I played it.”

The German ended her career in 2024 with three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, US Open 2016, Wimbledon 2018), a total of 14 titles, and 18 additional finals reached. Her last tournament was the 2024 Olympic Games, where she reached the quarterfinals before falling to eventual gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in a match where Kerber squandered a 4–1 lead in the third set.