A run to the final of the Brisbane Open twelve months ago kick-started a breakthrough 2016 season for Angelique Kerber. Set to return to the event later this week, Kerber enters the tournament with a different buzz around her compared to last year, but still the same person.
Since suffering a crushing 6-3, 6-1, loss to Victoria Azarenka last January, Kerber has sailed to the top of the WTA rankings thanks to two grand slam titles in Australia and New York. Furthermore, she also won the Stuttgart Open in her home country and reached the final in Wimbledon.
From dangerous outsider to major title contender, the expectation of Kerber to deliver on the court has significantly increased. Such a turn in fortunes might change some people, but Kerber isn’t one of those thanks to the support she receives from those around her.
“I needed time to reflect and believe everything that had happened the last 12 months – so much changed,” Kerber said in Brisbane.
“(But) I have a great team and family around me – they are still normal to me.
“They are treating me like I was before No.1 and when I lost a lot of matches.
“That’s important – to stay like I am. I don’t think I have changed too much.”
The new year gives Kerber the chance to extend her sporting fairytale as she bids to defend her Australian Open title later this month. Her task will not be an easy one with the return of the injury-stricken Serena Williams as well as tricky rivals Simona Halep and Agnieszka Radwanska.
“I think it will be a completely different year than 2016,” the world No.1 said.
“There are a lot of challenges that I have now, and I think I’m ready. Of course the pressure is there but it’s a different pressure now.”
Part of her plan to stay the best in the world includes modifying her tour schedule to focus more on preparing for the four grand slam tournaments this season.
“I will try to have a bit more time between tournaments, really focusing on the big tournaments,” she said.
“I am changing it a little bit because this year it is important that I be ready for the big tournaments.
“(But) to be honest, I am not thinking about defending points or pressure or whatever.”
Kerber will kick-off the new season in the second round at Brisbane after receiving a first round bye. Awaiting her will either be Australian wildcard Ash Barty or Serbian qualifier Aleksandra Krunić.
