WTA: Huber in the tennisnet interview about Kerber:”She’s back in her head”.

In the tennisnet interview Anke Huber talks about Angelique Kerber’s new strength, Julia Görges’ great development and the duel in the category “Greatest of all time” in women’s tennis. The sporting director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix’ is also looking forward with great anticipation to the home game in Stuttgart (23rd place). till 29. April). Eight players from the top ten will compete in the high-calibre indoor classics on sand – including three reigning Grand Slam winners alone.

tennisnet: In September 1997 Angelique Kerber and Julia Görges had two German players in the top ten for the first time since then. First time in 244 months. At that time she and Steffi Graf had belonged to this elite circle. What was your reaction?

Anke Huber: That was a great thing, clearly. The return of Angie after the difficult 2017 season was positive for everyone. And Jule showed last year that she can play great. That’s why the placings weren’t even so surprising. You are of course very happy for the two of them, but you think less about yourself… and how it was 20 years ago with us.

tennisnet: What was decisive for Kerber to achieve the turnaround in 2018?

Anke Huber: I think she has returned to the ambition that she lacked in some phases in 2017. I think she was a little fed up in between, everything seemed too much. Together with her new coach Wim Fissette she has changed a few things, which often helps. I honestly didn’t expect it to yield so quickly. That’s why it’s all the more beautiful that it happened. I’m really happy that Angie is playing good tennis again, even if she loses. She can’t win every tournament. But she’s back in her head.

tennisnet: Toni Nadal recently said in a tennisnet interview that Kerber had the best chances of winning in Wimbledon in 2018. Do you look similar?

Anke Huber: She is now one of the title candidates for every Grand Slam. Because she has regained constancy – and also has this eminently important experience with the majors. Angie knows what it’s like to be in a big semi-final or final. Wimbledon is always a bit of a lucky guy, though. What’s the weather like? How is the ball bounce – higher or flatter? She’s better off flatter. But there aren’t as many people who can play as well on grass as Angie.

tennisnet: Julia Görges has reached another milestone with her jump into the top ten. What else do you trust her with?

Anke Huber: Jule worked incredibly hard on her game, and that paid off. She is one who really deserves to make it into the top ten. She plays much more consistently, the backhand has improved enormously – especially when it comes to the return, which has always been her weakness. I’m very glad it came to this. Both Jule and Angie have a very good chance of making it into the top ten.

tennisnet: 23-time major winner Serena Williams has just made her comeback in Indian Wells after her baby break. Is it an advantage or a disadvantage for the American to be on tour with a small child?

Anke Huber: It can’t be a huge advantage. Because: Serena won’t be able to play much better than before. Just before she got pregnant, she showed her best tennis. I believe that ambition may be declining somewhat, because as a mother you set other priorities. But I always trust Williams to win the Grand Slam because she has a certain dominance, not least physically. For me, she is always one of the favourites – no matter which tournament. If she gets fitter again and collects match practice, then the 24 or more Grand Slam titles that she obviously strives for are absolutely possible. She will definitely try and work hard for it. Whether she’s going to make it, you have to wait and see.

tennisnet: In men’s tennis Roger Federer is considered the “Greatest of all time”. Is Serena Williams or Steffi Graf his counterpart in the women’s area?

Anke Huber: Hard to say. Steffi or Serena – that is very close to each other and balanced. Everything is always a little bit dependent on other things when judging. Steffi, for example, played at a time when there were more of the absolute top players. Serena was like that in her early days. Later it became less, the field was more open. But one thing is certain: Federer really is the GOAT for men.

tennisnet: At the 41. The 15th edition of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will see eight pros from the current top ten on the entry list – a total of 15 players from the top 20 want to serve. Satisfied?

Anke Huber: We are totally happy. There are also three reigning Grand Slam winners – guaranteed to be five Germans in the main draw. The starter field is a bit better than last year. Especially out the back way too. We had early promises from many professionals. You are happy when you notice that the players like to come to us. That’s always great feedback. We are also well equipped in terms of young participants. And due to the fact that we also have a lot of reports from players between rank 20 and 30 in the world rankings, there will already be top-class matches in the first rounds.