Angelique Kerber on why she loves playing on grass and promoting grass court tennis

• Tennis News
• WTA Tennis

Former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber says she is very happy about the introduction of two new WTA events on grass in Germany - in Berlin and Bad Homburg - since she loves playing on the surface.

Angelique Kerber about playing on grass

In an interview to the WTA Tour, Kerber says, “I was extremely happy when I heard that this idea had finally become a reality.

Grass court tennis has a long-standing tradition in our sport and there’s a special magic to it. On top of that, it’s great for the new generation of young players as they will have more opportunities to experience it first-hand.

Who knows? Maybe another girl from Germany is going to win Wimbledon in a few years because she was inspired after visiting the tournaments”. The German, who won Wimbledon in 2018 over Serena Williams, says she loves playing on the surface.

"To be honest, I felt very comfortable right from the beginning because I always enjoyed playing on carpet courts, which are quite similar. It suits my game really well, as the ball bounce is low and fast, which forces you to react quickly, anticipate and be creative.

I have had the privilege to collect so many beautiful memories on grass courts. The quarterfinal match against Sabine Lisicki in 2012 is one that stands out for me. Two Germans in the quarterfinal, a crazy rollercoaster battle and an amazing atmosphere…those types of matches have given me so much.

Thinking about the moment that I won Wimbledon still gives me goosebumps. But looking back, it was not only the victories that were important. Playing and losing against Serena in 2016 was one of the losses from which I learned so much.

The experience made me grow the most and helped me clinch the title in 2018”. Kerber has also played an active role in organising the Bad Homburg Open through her management company which she says will help promote grass court tennis in Germany.

“I’ve been actively involved in developing the event. I have been on the tour for many years and it’s my goal to help create a new event that everyone would love. I can’t wait to see the ideas and the whole concept come to life.

It will be a warm and welcoming event with a boutique character, one that allows fans to attend matches on two of the match courts free of charge. I think this is a great way to promote grass court tennis for everyone”.

31 year old Angelique Kerber is a former world No. 1 and winner of 12 career singles titles, including the 2016 Australian Open, the 2016 US Open and the 2018 Wimbledon Championships.