Angelique Kerber’s blockbuster rise on the WTA Tour in 2016 is one that gives her a great sense of pride as well as anxiety ahead of the new season.
Triumphing at two grand slam tournaments (Australian Open and US Open), Kerber surged to the top of the WTA rankings in September. If was an achievement that rapidly expanded her appeal to both tennis fans and big money sponsors. Becoming the first German world number one since Steffi Graf, the 28-year-old also clinched the Stuttgart Open title as she ended the year with a win-loss of 63-18.
Trying to exceed those achievements in 2017 is a daunting prospect for any player in Kerber’s situation, but few will have the same attitude as her. Known for her positive thinking and infectious smile, the two-time major champion aims to prolong her reign at the top for as long as possible as the new season approaches.
“This is a completely different situation for me being ranked No.1,” she told Fox Sports. “The goals for me will be to be in the No.1 spot for as long as I can and do well in the Grand Slams.”
Staying at the top of the game will be easier said than done. Rival Serena Williams will be out for revenge after enduring another injury-affected season. Meanwhile, Agnieszka Radwanska and Simona Halep could pose a risk if they find a winning method to remain consistent on the tour. Kerber certainly faces more questions than answers in the new year.
Kerber’s popularity in the world of sport has exploded over the past year. Since November 2015, her Twitter followers have almost doubled from 144,000 to 265,000. She is also the most searched player on the official WTA site in 2016, beating rival Williams. Away from the tour, her endorsements have also soared. In September a deal was struck with the Generali Group, the third biggest insurer in the world. More recently, she was named as a brand ambassador for Australian-based company Slim Secrets.
“More people recognise me now and it’s a completely different world from playing well and being a top-10 player,” she said about her popularity.
“It’s hard to get used to. Especially after Australia, it took me a while to work out how everything changed.”
Starting her new season in Australia, Kerber’s first test will be at the Brisbane International, an event which will feature four top 10 players. She is set to play back-to-back tournaments ahead of the Australian Open.
