US Open: Angie Kerber feels “ready” for New York despite bumpy preparations

Wimbledon winner Angelique Kerber is not disturbed by her bumpy preparation for the US Open.

“I have experienced many ups and downs in recent years. I know what I have achieved and what I can do,” Kerber said four days before her opening match against Russian Margarita Gasparyan on Tuesday. “There are always defeats, I don’t make a big deal out of it.”

At the WTA tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati, the 30-year-old retired surprisingly early after her summer break. However, after the triumph in Wimbledon, she also “put the bat out of her hands for 10, 14 days”.

Meanwhile, Kerber said at Media Day in New York, she feels much better than in Cincinnati. “With the energy and the great memories from the past years, I think I’m ready,” said the three-time Grand Slam winner, who also met Billie Jean King at a photo shoot these days.

Kerber had made her breakthrough in Flushing Meadows in 2011 with her entry into the semi-finals, after a few months earlier she had even thought about ending her career because of chronic lack of success.

In 2016 she won the last of the four majors and climbed to the top of the world rankings. This year the Kieler is in fourth place in Flushing Meadows. “I feel this magic every year when I come back here,” said Angie, who could meet Alizé Cornet in the second round. Kerber had lost to the French woman on her return to the Tour in Montreal.