Tennis player Angelique Kerber suffered a defeat on her comeback after an 18-month baby break. The 35-year-old was defeated by the Italian Jasmine Paolini, 27, 4:6, 5:7 at the United Cup in Sydney on Saturday. Kerber served six times in 1:48 hours. In the second round, opponent Paolini voluntarily gave up two games to get treatment for a cramp. But Kerber couldn’t use the 4:3 lead and lost the last game without winning a point of his own.
Kerber played her last game to date a year and a half ago and gave birth to her daughter Liana at the end of February. In the team competition, she plays for Germany alongside Alexander Zverev, among others, and is preparing for the Australian Open in Melbourne, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, which begins in two weeks. The German selection will face France in the second group game on Monday.
With Zverev, Kerber was able to celebrate his first sense of success. After the Olympic champion equalized against Lorenzo Sonego after three sets (6:7 (5), 6:3, 6:4), the duo ensured the German team beat Italy 2-1 with a win in the final mixed doubles. Kerber and Zverev prevailed 6:3, 6:0 against Angelica Moratelli and Sonego, winning the last eleven games in a row. “It was a special day for me,” enthused Kerber. “Winning my first game after the comeback feels great.” She missed the emotions, atmosphere and support during her break: “I felt the fire in me again and fought until the last point.”
Her mixed partner praised the three-time Grand Slam tournament winner for her first tournament appearance since Wimbledon 2022. “We are both extremely happy. Angie played incredibly in the mixed doubles and also in the singles,” said Zverev. “Being out for a year and a half, coming back and playing at such a high level – that shows what kind of player she is.” Laura Siegemund had also previously praised Kerber: “I’m impressed. I know what it’s like to return after a long break,” said her teammate in the stands. “Of course it’s not her best tennis yet, but it’s great tennis.”