Former world No 1 ‘trying to enjoy time’ as she opens up on retirement life
Angelique Kerber has revealed her focus in recent weeks has been “trying” to enjoy time with friends and family since her retirement earlier this summer.
German star Kerber called time on her career at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games earlier in the summer, a memorable run ending with a dramatic quarter-final loss to eventual gold medallist Zheng Qinwen.
That ended a career which saw the 36-year-old scale some of the sport’s greatest heights and seal her place as one of the best players in recent years.
Kerber won three Grand Slam singles titles and was the WTA world No 1 for 34 weeks, winning 14 career singles titles in total.
Her professional career lasted for over two decades and, speaking to Tennis.com, she opened up about her focus had been on spending time with her loved ones since the end of her career two months ago.
Kerber said: “I haven’t had much time to think about whether I miss tennis. I continue to do my sport, but I don’t have much free time.
“I’m trying to enjoy time with my family and friends right now. Then we’ll see what happens.
“I have one or two projects in the works, and I’m just happy to have a different time than I did just six or seven weeks ago.”
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Kerber was speaking on home soil in Berlin, at the Laver Cup this past weekend.
The former world No 1 was a guest of honour at the event, joining fellow former stars such as Roger Federer, Ana Ivanovic, and Tommy Haas in the stands.
She was even invited onto court at one point, performing the coin toss for the clash between Grigor Dimitrov and Alejandro Tabilo.
The 36-year-old conceded it was “special” to be in attendance as a spectator – and revealed she was open to the possibility of a women’s version of the event in the future.
“I always said that I would stay true to tennis,” she added.
“It’s a very special event with all the top stars. Unfortunately, we don’t have an event like that for the ladies yet. But who knows what the future will bring.
“This time I’m not here as a player, but as a spectator. It’s different, but special. I think I’ll be able to enjoy it a little more now.”
