"The challenge is huge": Angelique Kerber 'ready' for tennis return but in the dark about current form levels

Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber is all set to make her return to the tennis tour after an 18-month absence. The German tennis star temporarily paused her career after announcing in August 2022 that she would soon become a mother.

Her first scheduled event is just a week away, where she will once again represent Germany, this time in the United Cup, where she will lead the team alongside Alexander Zverev. Joining them on the team are Tatjana Maria, Maximilian Marterer, and Laura Siegemund.

At 35 years old, there was speculation about a possible retirement for Kerber. However, a few months after the birth of her daughter Liana, she announced that she would work towards her return to the tennis courts. The 3-times Grand Slam champion expressed her excitement about returning to competition: “I feel ready, the training has gone according to plan so far, and the anticipation for the start of the season in Australia is increasing. Since it’s been almost a year and a half since my last match, I can’t estimate where I currently stand,” she said.

The German acknowledged that she probably won't return with the best results, but she is taking it in stride: “I have to be patient. Training and matches are not comparable. The challenge is huge, but that's exactly what excites me about it. I want to compete against the best players in the world and show the fans my best tennis.”

Until her hiatus, Kerber had maintained a presence in the top 25 for 9 of the last 11 seasons, including 6 in the top 10. Notably, she closed the year as the world No. 1 in 2016 and world No. 2 in 2018.

Kerber has set her sights on participating in the WTA 500 Adelaide International from January 8 to 13. Her comeback will officially commence on January 15 at the Australian Open, where she clinched her first Grand Slam title in 2016 by defeating Serena Williams (6-4, 3-6, 6-4).