Changes after 2017 slump helped Kerber fulfil her Wimbledon dream

The changes Angelique Kerber has made on the 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 US Opens – as well as losing the Wimbledon final to Williams in between – Kerber was unable to replicate that form in 2017. Having started the year at the top of the rankings, she ended it 21st.

Kerber took the decision to replace her long-time 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,” Kerber said. “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

0 Angelique Kerber with the trophy after the final on Saturday.

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 semi-finals 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.

“She’s more confident right now,” Fissette said. “I feel she knows herself a bit better – what she needs to play her best tennis, what she needs to feel well throughout the tournament.”

On Saturday, it was Kerber’s ability to blend her trademark defensive skills with aggression that stunned 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.

Kerber made just five unforced errors to 24 by Williams, but also produced 11 winners, including two timely forehands on the line to secure a pivotal break in the second set.

With all the focus on Williams, who was playing just her fourth tournament since giving birth last year, the improvements Kerber had made while advancing to the final for the loss of just one set had gone largely unnoticed.

“She just did a lot of different shots today,” Williams said. “It wasn’t just one shot. It was lots of different shots. I just know going next time, I’ll just be ready for that.”

That “next time” Williams mentioned looks as though it may come sooner rather than later.