Angelique
Kerber highlighted
Venus Williams' current moment but said it's not the path
she expects to follow.
Former
world No. 1
Angelique Kerber was recently interviewed by the German magazine
Bild, where she commented on her future in tennis and took the opportunity to
highlight what Venus Williams has achieved.
The
American tennis player had a successful debut at the Birmingham Open, defeating
Camila Giorgi, although she was eliminated in the second round of the
tournament by the eventual champion Jelena Ostapenko.
"Hats
off to what (Venus) does. She still has that passion, but still playing at 43
isn't exactly my plan. So probably more as a coach, although it's still a bit
early for such considerations, as my goals now are I'll see what my role in
tennis will be like later, but probably not as an active player at 43," Kerber
said.
The
35-year-old tennis player has won three Grand Slam titles (Australian Open and
US Open in 2016,
Wimbledon in 2018). Her last appearance on the tour was
precisely at the grass-court Grand Slam in 2022, where she reached the third
round and was eliminated by Elise Mertens. Kerber then took a break due to her
pregnancy.
"I
have high expectations of myself, that hasn't changed. On the other hand, I'm
also aware of how long the road back can be, I don't want to come back just to
play. That would be the wrong attitude, I don't have to prove anything to him
anymore nobody," Kerber said.
"That's
why I'm taking my time now to get in shape. I could probably play Wimbledon and
the US Open this year, but not at the level I imagine. The goal is Grand Slam
tournaments, that's what I'm working for. And of course the 2024 Olympic Games
in Paris," she concluded.