World No.10 Angelique Kerber has revealed that she will play fewer low level tournaments next year in order to concentrate on the bigger tournaments of the WTA Tour.
During an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 27-year-old has stated that she hopes to achieve something substantial over ‘the next two or three years’ at a Grand Slam event. The German has played in 32 Grand Slam main draws since 2007 with her best achievements being a two-time semifinalist (US Open 2011 and Wimbledon 2012).
“I want to focus on the big tournaments, because I want to finally crack them! The next two or three years are the years in which I want to achieve something”. She said.
This year Kerber has endured disappointment in the Grand Slams with a first round exit at the Australian Open followed by reaching the third round at the three remaining majors. Despite her woes in the Slams, the German has enjoyed a wide range of success on the WTA Tour. In 2015 Kerber has won four WTA titles in Charleston, Stuttgart, Birmingham and Stanford. She ends the year with a win-loss of 53-22.
During the interview, Kerber has stated that ‘her performance is her benchmark’ when talking about comparing herself with the other German players. Seen by some as a timid and shy player on the tour, the German is ready to smash this impression of her.
“I am no longer the little shy girl, but I say what I want what is good for me. That’ll be my next task: To show who I really am”. Kerber said.
Recently Kerber has travelled to Las Vegas to train with German tennis legend Steffi Graf. Graf was ranked world No.1 for 186 weeks between 1987-1991 and has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Kerber spoke highly about her time spent with the 46-year-old.
“The intensity that she brings to the court is admirable”. The 27-year-old said.
When she says something different about you, it is amazing, as a person you see little things that give you self-confidence”. She added.
Kerber starts her 2016 season at the WTA Brisbane International on January 3rd. She will be the fourth seed in the event.
