German former Wimbledon winner clearly
“The generation has almost no respect anymore”
December 19, 2024 – 12:40 p.mReading time: 2 min.
Angelique Kerber has moved from the tennis court to the stands. However, the former world-class player continues to keep a critical eye on the sport.
A lot is changing internationally in tennis. Among men, Roger Federer, Sir Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal have ended their careers in recent years. And among the women, many young players have joined and are drawing attention to themselves.
Former world-class tennis player Angelique Kerber is critical of the attitude of many young talents. “The generation that is now pushing for the professional tour really works completely differently. They have almost no respect anymore, in a positive and negative sense. The key is to close your eyes and push through. Not to the left, not to the right, but straight ahead head through the wall,” said Kerber in an interview with the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” (FAZ for short).
Kerber himself will now also focus on promoting young talent professionally. The 36-year-old will be working as a consultant for the German Tennis Federation (DTB) from January.
Kerber also sees herself in a kind of mentor role for younger players. “I do believe that you have to show understanding for that. But I also believe that, at a somewhat advanced age and with more life experience, I have one or two pieces of advice for you,” said Kerber, who started her active career at the Olympic Games in Paris ended in the summer.
She is getting better and better at coping with her new life. “It’s different, very different. What I really enjoy is having time and not having to travel anymore,” the former world number one told the FAZ: “What I really miss is the competition. It will probably always stay that way .”
