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Angelique Kerber Wimbledon 2021
Tennis News

Kerber high on confidence ahead of Robson rematch


Back in 2011, a 17-year-old Robson upset then world No.77 Kerber in three sets in the first round. Five years later, the pair meet again in the first round, but the fortunes of the pair are worlds apart.

After winning an Olympic mixed silver medal with Andy Murray at London 2012, Robson reached the fourth round at the All England Club in 2013 and climbed to a career high ranking of No.27, but a series of injury setbacks over the past three years have leftĀ the Brit languishing at No.283 in the world rankings.

By contrast, Kerberā€™s career has taken off this year, winning her maiden Grand Slam at the Australian OpenĀ in January and she is seeded No.4 at Wimbledon. On paper at least she is the favourite to win the first-round encounter, but the German will be keen to avoid another early exit after her shock first-round defeat to Kiki Bertens at Roland Garros.

ā€œOf course itā€™s tough to play against a British girl,ā€ said Kerber, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2012.Ā  ā€œBut I’m looking forward.Ā  I played against her a long time ago.

ā€œI’m looking forward to it.Ā  She’s a lefty like me, so this is always tricky, on grass especially. But it’s good to have a tough first round.ā€

While Kerber has struggled for consistency since beating Serena Williams in Melbourne, she is adamant thatĀ she is mentally and physically prepared for the Championships, and takes plenty of confidence from her victory Down Under

ā€œI’m really prepared, physically and mentally,ā€ said Kerber, who had treatment on a shoulder injury after the French Open.Ā  ā€œI did everything I could. Iā€™m really, really prepared.

ā€œI’m trying to change still my game, trying to improve and to be more aggressive.Ā  After Australia, I know that I can beat everybody, also in finals.Ā  This is what gives me a lot of more confidence.Ā  And the experience from Australia, I think this is also very important for me.ā€


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.