Former World No.1 Angelique Kerber earlier announced her decision to retire after the 2024 Olympic Games, and has no desire to change her mind despite her excellent ongoing run at the tournament.
The German star has has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics, defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez en route to the final eight. Kerber is set to face reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova for a spot in the semifinals, with fans hoping she reconsiders her decision based on how well she's played at the Olympics.
The three-time Grand Slam champion revealed she has heard murmurs of fans wanting her to keep playing past the Olympics. However, Kerber believes ending her career at this point is the right decision. Furthermore, the 36-year old admitted she was looking forward to enjoying all the time she has left on the court.
"I’m relieved with the decision'" said Kerber. "I think it’s still the right decision. I feel good. And here I enjoy every moment on the court, off the court. The fans, the spectators, the atmosphere is also incredible on the court. That's precisely why I came back, to feel these emotions.
"And here I am, here I am in the quarter-finals and I hope the journey continues a little bit more. I came back to experience these emotions."