By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday July 25, 2024
The Olympics might be particular for Angelique Kerber in additional methods than one. First, the three-time champion, former singles No.1 and Olympic singles silver medalist in 2016 will happen in her third Olympic video games for Staff Germany.
Second, it will likely be the final occasion of her illustrious profession.
36-year-old Kerber introduced the information on Instagram on Thursday, calling her closing event as a professional her “end line.”
“Earlier than the Olympics start, I can already say that I’ll always remember #Paris2024, as a result of it will likely be my final skilled event as a tennis participant,” Keber wrote in a heartfelt submit to followers. “And whereas this may truly be the fitting determination, it is going to by no means really feel that approach. Just because I like the game with all my coronary heart and I’m grateful for the recollections and alternatives it has given me.”
Tears are commonplace on the Olympic tennis occasion, however 2024 ought to be additional emotiona, with Kerber and Andy Murray every taking part in their final skilled tennis in Paris this summer time.
Kerber, who gave beginning to her daughter Liana final February, commenced a comeback to the tour this January after a 17-month hiatus. She confirmed flashes of her outdated brilliance, incomes back-to-back Prime-20 wins at Indian Wells this 12 months whereas profitable seven matches in complete.
Kerber says the Olympics are an ideal tempo to name time on her legendary profession.
The Bremen, Germany native received her first two majors in 2016, the 12 months she received Olympic silver in Rio. That 12 months Kerber rose to No.1 within the rankings at 28, changing into the oldest participant to make her debut on the high of the rankings.
Kerber says that the Olympics, for her, are about greater than tennis.
“The Olympics, I’ve participated in thus far, have been extra than simply competitions as they signify completely different chapters of my life as a tennis participant: the climb, the height… and now, the end line.
“The Olympics in London got here at a time, after I had my breakthrough season on the tour. I used to be climbing the rankings steadily and each win helped me overcome my doubts and strengthened my self-belief. All of it felt like new beginnings and I used to be carried by pleasure to new heights. The 12 months earlier than, in 2011, I had nearly turned my again on tennis and given up on my childhood desires.
“After I arrived on the Olympics in Rio, I had simply received my first Grand Slam title in Australia firstly of the 12 months. My silver medal run was embedded in a rush of feelings that led to my second Grand Slam title in New York and the highest of the rankings. The descent within the following 12 months was hurtful, however I realized my lesson and Wimbledon 2018 was my greatest reward.”
Kerber will face four-time main champion Naomi Osaka in a battle of future Corridor of Famers within the first spherical at Paris.
“Paris2024 will mark the end line of probably the most unbelievable journey I might have ever dreamed of rising up with a racket in my hand. There are various extra issues I need to say and folks to thank, which I’ll do as soon as I full my final match…however for now, I’ll take the time and take in each second of this closing episode on court docket.”
