Angelique Kerber, the former world number one and three-time Grand Slam champion, is set to transition from the tennis court to the halls of the Deutscher Tennis Bund (DTB) as she takes on the role of advisor starting January 2025. Having recently concluded her illustrious career, Kerber aims to leverage her rich experience to nourish the next generation of tennis players and reinvigorate German women's tennis.
Renowned for her spectacular performances, including her remarkable runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, Kerber's career has spanned numerous accolades. She held the title of world number one for 34 weeks between 2016 and 2017, showcasing her prowess on the global stage. Now, with her career flourishing under the glare of victory, she expresses gratitude for all the sport has provided her: "Ich bin dankbar für alles, was der Tennissport mir gegeben hat, und möchte meine Erfahrung an die nächste Generation weitergeben," ("I am grateful for everything tennis has provided me and I want to pass my experience to the next generation") she stated.
Kerber's move to the DTB, announced alongside her former trainers, Rainer Schüttler and Torben Beltz, signifies not only her personal transition but also the DTB's commitment to incorporating elite players' insights to uplift the current standards. The organization aims to tap Kerber's vast experience to address the challenges faced by the women's game within Germany, underscoring the importance of collaboration: "Zusammen wollen wir das Frauentennis wieder nach vorne bringen. Denn klar ist: Es gibt Nachholbedarf" ("Together we want to push women's tennis forward. Clearly, there is much to catch up on"), she explained.
The German women’s tennis scene has seen its challenges, with few players breaking through on the global stage. Currently, Laura Siegemund ranks as the highest German player at 80th place in the WTA rankings at the age of 36. Kerber recognizes the need for consistent performances from younger talents, such as Jule Niemeier and rewarding prospects like Ella Seidel, stating, "Ich habe Wimbledon nicht in zwei Wochen gewonnen. Das war ein Prozess" ("I didn't win Wimbledon in two weeks. It was a process"). This acknowledgement demonstrates her intent to impart knowledge not just tactically but also concerning the perseverance required to succeed at the highest levels.
The comprehensive plan involves working directly with up-and-coming players and aiding their training; Kerber mentioned various roles she plans to take on, from mentoring to personalized coaching. Emphasizing unity, she noted the shared values between her and her former coaches, helping strengthen the bond within the team, saying, "Wir sprechen eine Sprache und verstehen uns gut" ("We speak the same language and understand each other well"). This effective communication is set to facilitate the mutual goals of the team.
DTB President Veronika Rücker expressed her pride and optimism about bringing someone of Kerber's stature onto the advisory team. She remarked, "Angie war mit ihrem Kampfgeist und der großen Leidenschaft auf dem Platz stets ein leuchtendes Vorbild für junge Nachwuchsspielerinnen" ("Angie has always been a shining example for young players with her fighting spirit and great passion on the court"). This sentiment encapsulates Kerber’s potential impact on Germany’s future tennis stars.
Torben Beltz, who has previously coached Kerber, acknowledged the significance of this partnership, adding, "Das kann nur positiv von allen Seiten aufgefasst werden" ("This can only be viewed positively from all sides"). His infectious enthusiasm about the initiative reflects the optimism surrounding Kerber’s return to the tennis community. Many regard Kerber's involvement as refreshing, breathing new life and energy back to the sport.
The future of German women's tennis hinges on such legendary players' engagement, and with someone like Kerber involved, the hopes for revitalization are encouraging. Her expertise will not only guide current and aspiring players but will also usher the next generation toward potential successes. The focus on building effective training structures and fostering talent from the grassroots up is evident, showcasing Kerber's commitment to her new role.
Overall, as Angelique Kerber steps off the competitive stage, her focus will turn to helping others ascend to their highest potential. Her connection with the DTB and her dedication to passing on her hard-earned wisdom will be pivotal as German women's tennis embarks on this new chapter.
