United Cup
Tennis star Angelique Kerber loses her first game after maternity leave
At the United Cup, Angelique Kerber was back on the pitch for the first time after her pregnancy
© David Gray / AFP
After a year and a half, tennis player Angelique Kerber is making her comeback. The 35-year-old is still having teething problems.
Angelique Kerber gets off to a strong start
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 Olympic champion 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.
Kerber got off to a good start. The three-time Grand Slam tournament winner fended off three early break points, took her opponent’s serve and was ahead 3-1 in the first round. However, Paolini then dominated the game with her powerful shots and won the next four games in a row. Kerber fought back, fired up again and again, but hit a forehand into the net on the Italian’s fifth set point.
“You have to be active yourself, put pressure on,” demanded her coach Torben Beltz, who looks after the German team in the United Cup, when Kerber changed sides. “I’m impressed. I know what it’s like to return after a long break,” said teammate Laura Siegemund in the stands. “Of course it’s not her best tennis yet, but it’s great tennis.”
Paolini was also quickly ahead with a break in the second set. A cramp brought the world number 30. but initially out of rhythm. In order to receive treatment during a break, she voluntarily gave up two games. But Kerber couldn’t use the 4:3 lead and lost the last game without winning a point.
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