It was one of the biggest disappointments in Angelique Kerber‘s career. The final defeat in the team competition, then known as the Fed Cup, against hosts the Czech Republic in 2014 continued to concern Kerber, who resigned this summer, for many years. With Kerber, Andrea Petkovic, Julia Görges, Sabine Lisicki and Anna-Lena Grönefeld, the German tennis team was on the verge of a big coup, but then failed due to their own nerves and an outstanding Petra Kvitova.
Ten years later, it is a big surprise that Germany is even taking part in the final round of the competition, which is now known as the Billie Jean King Cup. After the generation around Kerber and Co., German women’s tennis has long since sunk into mediocrity, and the association currently doesn’t even have a head national coach for the women’s division.
Disappointing Grand Slam record
When the four Grand Slam tournaments are currently entering the decisive phase, the German women are already back home. This year only Jule Niemeier made it to round three at the US Open in New York, where she clearly finished in two sets against the Chinese Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen. As before in Melbourne, Paris or Wimbledon, all other players were eliminated in the second round at the latest.
In Laura Siegemund (84th) and Niemeier (92nd), there are just two players in the top 100 at the end of what has been a dreary tennis year for German women. The long-time leader Kerber has ended her career, the veteran Tatjana Maria (37th). ) and Siegemund (36) are in the late autumn of their careers and the young generation around Ella Seidel (19), Noma Noha Akugue (20) and Eva Lys (22) does not yet meet the requirements of top international tennis.
Clear outsider in Malaga
And so the team of national coach Rainer Schüttler starts in Malaga this week as clear outsiders. At the start, Germany will face Great Britain on Friday (5 p.m.), who have one of the most exciting players of the season in their ranks in Katie Boulter.
«We know that we are not the favorites. “But we weren’t like that in qualifying in Brazil,” said Schüttler, referring to the surprising success in April. As before, the ex-professional relies on balance in his team. «We don’t have a top player, but we have a good and interesting mix. We’ll see which player suits which opponent best.”
Siegemund impressed in Brazil
In April in Brazil, the experienced Siegemund was the match winner with two individual wins. The Swabian doubles specialist is looking forward to the week in Andalusia. “It’s been a long season, so it’s always nice to get together as a team again,” said Siegemund, who, like all the players, will then go on vacation.
But first the focus is on Great Britain. “It’s perhaps a good thing that we’re not the favorites because we can play without pressure,” said Schüttler before the two singles and the doubles on the hard court in the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena Arena.
