Kerber set for lasting success after Wimbledon title

LONDON – Angelique Kerber's changes on the pitch helped her to win a first title at Wimbledon. She believes that the changes she has made outside the court will enable her to secure her second presence as the dominant force in the female game.

The 30-year-old German beat seven-time champion Serena Williams 6-3, 6-3 on Saturday. After claiming his first Grand Slam titles at the US Open and Australia in 2016, as well as the Wimbledon final at Williams between the two, Kerber was not able to replicate that form in the final. 2017. After starting the year at the top of the rankings, she finished 21st.

Kerber made the decision to replace his former coach Torben Beltz with Wim Fissette. The Belgian made some tactical changes to her game, but she also helped adjust her broader approach.

"It's not just about playing tennis," Kerber said. "There are still a few things to do next to the tennis court."

Kerber said she was struggling to cope with the pressure of being at the top of the rankings and the freedom she was giving opponents.

The experience has been a crucial factor in helping him achieve his "dream" of winning Wimbledon.

"Without 2017, I would not be here," Kerber said. "I can say that I'm for sure a better tennis player than before."

Kerber reached the semifinals of the Australian Open to start the season, before matching his best career performance at Roland Garros. the quarter-finals.

"She's more confident right now," said Fissette. "I think she knows a little better – what she needs to play her best tennis, what she needs to feel good throughout the tournament."

On Saturday, Kerber was able to combine his defensive skills with staggering aggression. 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams

Kerber only committed five straight fouls at 24 by Williams, but he also produced 11 winners, including two timely cut coupes on the line to ensure a pivotal break in the second set. The focus on Williams, who was attending his fourth tournament since being born in September of last year, the improvements that Kerber had made in advancing in the final for the loss of a single set had pbaded largely unnoticed.

she just did a lot of different shots today, "Williams said." It was not just a shot. It was a lot, a lot, a lot of different plans. I just know I'll be there next time, I'll just be ready for that. "

One of those shots was the Kerber service, which was surprisingly more effective than Williams with the German winning a higher percentage of points earned on his first two." Williams is confident that his game can go to a other level, but getting ready for Kerber may involve more than just preparing for what the Germans showed on Saturday.

"I'm still sure we have not seen the best Angie," Fissette said. "I think that her service can still improve and she feels the success with her offensive game, she will use it too."

This "next time" Williams mentioned that it could happen sooner only later.] ___

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