Kerber returns to tour at United Cup
Three-time major winner Angelique Kerber will make her return to professional tennis at the United Cup this week, with the German star realistic about the challenges she’ll face after missing the past 18 months following the birth of her daughter back in February.
Kerber hasn’t played since Wimbledon in 2022 but will join Naomi Osaka at next month’s Australian Open, with the former world number one also becoming a mother earlier this year.
Melbourne is a happy hunting ground for Kerber who won her first grand slam there in 2016 when she beat Serena Williams in the final.
But she accepts she’ll need to be patient in her comeback which starts on Saturday when Germany faces Italy in Group D of the United Cup in Sydney.
“To come back to the tour in Australia is the perfect start for me, especially for Team Germany at the United Cup,” she said, with their next tie against France two days later.
“It’s been 18 months away from professional tennis and a lot has happened since then with the birth of my baby daughter. I’ve heard great things about the event and the strength of the player field is really impressive.
“Representing my country in the past has always been an honour. Even more so, it’s a special occasion for me to play my first match back on the tour for Team Germany at the United Cup.
“Each group is difficult, but I’m hoping we’ll have a good run.”
Kerber will team up with Alexander Zverev for the tournament, with the pair keen to repeat their 2018 and 2019 form which saw them make the Hopman Cup finals.
The German veteran has a terrific record in Sydney having beaten Aussie ace Ash Barty in the 2018 final of the Sydney International, but a lot has changed since then, with Kerber not expecting too much after so long away from the sport.
“Winning the title in Sydney in 2018 is a great memory, but I’m realistic about the challenges that come with making a comeback after being away for almost 1.5 years,” she said.