Kerber set for sustained success after victory in London over Serena
LONDON — The changes Angelique Kerber has made on the tennis court helped her win a first Wimbledon title. She believes the changes she made off the court will ensure her second coming as a dominant force in the women’s game endures.
The 30-year-old German defeated seven-time champion Serena Williams, 6-3, 6-3, in Saturday’s final to confirm her return to the top of the sport.
After claiming her first Grand Slam titles at the 2016 Australian and U.S opens — as well as losing the Wimbledon final to Williams in between — Kerber was unable to replicate that form in ’17. Having started the year at the top of the rankings, she ended it 21st.
Kerber took the decision to replace her longtime coach Torben Beltz with Wim Fissette.
The Belgian has implemented some tactical changes to her game, but has also helped to adjust her wider approach.
“It’s not only playing tennis. There are a few more things I had to do beside the tennis court.”
Kerber said she struggled to cope with the pressure of being top of the rankings and the freedom it gave opponents facing her.
However, the experience was a crucial factor in helping her achieve her “dream” of winning Wimbledon.
“Without 2017, I wouldn’t be here,” Kerber said. “I can say
that I am for sure a better tennis player than then.”
Kerber reached the Australian Open semifinals to start the season,
before backing that up by equalling her career-best performance at the French Open with a run to the quarter-finals. Saturday
it was her ability to blend her trademark defensive skills with aggression that stunned 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.