Angelique Kerber announces targeted comeback date

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• WTA Tennis

Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber is aiming to return at the start of the 2024 season and compete at the Australian Open. Kerber, 35, hasn't played since last year's Wimbledon. In late February, Kerber announced that she gave birth to a baby girl.

Kerber's preparations for a comeback have already started as the former world No 1 hopes to be ready to play in Australia. "I will return when the new season begins with the clear aim of playing the Australian Open in 2024.

This also includes the preparatory tournaments in January in Australia, maybe the United Cup for Germany. Returning to the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne would be a dream," Kerber told BILD.

Kerber aims a successful comeback

When Kerber returns to tennis in January, she will be 36 years old and returning after being sidelined for a year and a half.

But Kerber underlines she is not returning to tennis just for the sake of competing again. "I have high expectations of myself, that hasn't changed. On the other hand, I'm also aware of how long the way back can be. I don't want to come back just to play.

That would be the wrong attitude, I don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore. That's why I'm taking my time now to get fit. I could probably play Wimbledon and the US Open this year, but not at the level I imagine. The goal is the Grand Slam tournaments, that's what I'm working towards.

And of course the 2024 Olympics in Paris," Kerber said. Meanwhile, 2018 Wimbledon champion Kerber is not competing at The Championships for the first time since 2006. When asked how it feels to be missing Wimbledon, Kerber admitted that it's "a strange feeling." "I hit a few balls on grass for the first time on Thursday in Bad Homburg, it was a great feeling.

Not competing at Wimbledon this year is a strange feeling. But I won't be missing entirely. From the semi-finals I'll be there for appointments and of course I'll also watch the matches," Kerber said.