Was an interview from 2018 recorded? She loves the grass so much, she always plays so well in this place because of “you guys”, said Angelique Kerber, while she was standing on the grass, during a short interview after her most recent work shift. She was so happy to “finally be able to play my tennis again,” she continued. And yes, it all sounded exactly like it did when she had a wonderful run. There are seven wins to the title at the most famous tennis tournament, seven times Kerber, 33, has already won in a row at the All England Club. It was three years ago when she added that of Wimbledon to her Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open and US Open in 2016.
Now, in July 2021, she has already achieved five successes in a row on this meticulously trimmed lawn, which after the completely unspectacular 6: 2, 6: 3 on Tuesday against the Czech Karolina Muchova also means that the best German will contest this Thursday Tennis player in her fourth semi-final in England for the past twelve years.
The fact that she likes to cling to tried and tested harmless expressions rhetorically cannot be blamed on her. Rather, the story behind this detail is even an explanation of how it can be that Kerber always blossoms on Church Road, this “magical place”, which she does not forget to mention every time, as in her best times . 2012 semi-finals, 2014 quarter-finals, 2016 final, 2018 victory – what now? “I’m enjoying every moment,” she said, her eyes shining. When one day the great accolades come to your career, you will definitely associate them with your appearances at Wimbledon first and foremost. Something’s going on between the two of them.
This game was an open book, starting on page 1
It was certainly due to her politeness and respect for her opponent, but when she quickly commented on her victory on Tuesday, she actually said it was a “tight match”. A close match? No, it really wasn’t. This quarter-finals on Court No. 1 was not a duel on equal terms. Sometimes, even often enough, tennis matches are extremely complicated matters, full of twists and turns and ups and downs. This game was more of an open book, from page 1. From the moment Kerber led 1-0.
That was simply because of how both presented themselves. Kerber also danced on the baseline, pushed himself, the “Come On” sounded. Muchova looked as if she were sitting in a wing chair and, stirring a neat five-o’clock tea, would wait and see what happens. Jeez, that was like throwing a nice roast to a lion and believing that he would first see what was on the side. Kerber snapped. Break to 2-0. At 4-2 she fended off two breakballs, but nothing was dramatic either. When it was 6-2 after 35 minutes, there was this feeling: She can’t lose. Can’t win Muchova. Never.
The gesture of the winner: Angelique Kerber after her success against Karolina Muchova.
(Photo: Alastair Grant / dpa)
What makes Kerber so dominant again, so uncomfortable to play, is above all her toughness. She tries to force herself not to make mistakes, which increases the chances that the counterparty fails. And when the opportunity for a direct winning stroke arises, Kerber has security again in the aggressive strokes. She also exudes a self-confidence on the pitch that can be intimidating. As with these people, who always make it to the cash register first in the supermarket, who snap the parking lot under their noses and then get out with a God-given matter of course and say: “Nice day today, right?”
Just to tell the story in its entirety: Kerber is not everywhere so bold, so confident, so free in her nature that also knows other sides. Anyone who has probably only ever seen her at the French Open and is now looking at this Kerber in London’s SW19 district may think: Ah, does she have a twin sister? But she probably likes the eight millimeter high lawn much better than this red Terre Battue! Eight first-round defeats in Paris – what grumbling faces hasn’t Kerber done there. And she never cheered the audience there either, because of “you guys” I’m dying to win here. Rather, she was always just happy that the clay court season was over. It was exactly like that a few weeks ago.
Often too late on the ball: Karolina Muchova.
(Photo: Toby Melville / Reuters)
The second set against Muchova only offered two latent threats for Kerber, who was as robust as a Canadian lumberjack stubbornly called up their program in 2018, when others got the flutter – and hit it off. She is in this mode now too. Muchova once presented a break to make it 2-1. Corrected Kerber immediately. And Muchova, who apparently also has a twin sister, had a break ball. She was spotted at the Australian Open in February, in the semifinals of the Grand Slam tournament there in Melbourne. The Wimbledon Muchova was far from this class, at least this afternoon. After 1:15, Kerber converted the second match ball, or Muchova politely handed her the victory: a light forehand ball from the half-field, of course into the side. 6: 2, 6: 3 for Kerber.
In the semifinals, she will always meet an Australian, the world number one Ashleigh Barty had to do with compatriot Alja Tomljanovic after Kerber’s game. “It will be a great match again, no matter who against,” said Kerber. So far, and that speaks absolutely in favor of the Kiel woman, who has lived in Puszczykowo in Poland for years, her opponents share this joy much less at this tournament.