"I know that it needs time": Angelique Kerber not disheartened despite Australian Open comeback loss with renewed hope
WTA
Angelique Kerber is undeterred in her comeback effort after losing out to Danielle Collins in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open in a tough assignment 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 with Iga Swiatek now awaiting the American in the second round.
The former World No.1 and Australian Open champion after becoming a mother for the first time took minimal time off compared to Naomi Osaka for instance, but barring Elina Svitolina, many of the returning mothers haven't been firing straight away and like Osaka, she admitted that she is going to stick to the task in hand and knows it will come in time.
There was also not that expectation there for success straight away due to it being her first tournament back so positives taken over negatives in this case despite going out early. Unlike Osaka who is set to play Doha, Qatar and Charleston for instance, it is not known yet what schedule Kerber has post Australia but likely it will see more match practice.
Kerber only played United Cup before this on her return and only sealed a win over Ajla Tomljanovic, herself coming back from an injury and so it is very much wrangling with expectation early on.
“For sure, it is a long way to be back & to play on a high level again. But on the other side, I have the experience, I know how it is. I played so many Grand Slams over the years. So I'm more trying to find my rhythm, being on court, & yeah, feeling good again. But of course, I mean, you played here, you won the tournament, & you want to get far in the draw," said Kerber.
"But on the other side, it is my first real tournament. I know that it needs time. Also before I came back I said I need the patience to come back, to have matches & to feel good on court. Also, it's a completely new situation off court, so I have to get used to that, & that needs time. I'm fine with that. I’ll take my time, and hopefully I can play better.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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