"A role model for all young women" - Boris Becker sends his heartfelt wishes to Angelique Kerber as German announces shock retirement
Former World No. 1 Boris Becker recently shared a heartfelt message for Angelique Kerber ahead of her approaching retirement. Kerber has announced that she will retire after the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
Angelique Kerber is one of the most celebrated German tennis players, having won singles titles at three of the four Grand Slams. She claimed two Majors in 2016, the Australian Open and the US Open, and won her third in 2018 at the Wimbledon Championships. Although Kerber reached the quarterfinals at the French Open twice, she hasn't won a title there.
The 36-year-old has won 14 WTA titles in her career. Moreover, she remained at the top of the rankings for 34 weeks.
Angelique Kerber announced her retirement recently through an Instagram post, where she shared a lengthy note in the captions. An excerpt from the note is as follows.
"The finish line. Before the @Olympics begin, I can already say that I will never forget #Paris2024, because it will be my last professional tournament as a tennis player. And whereas this might actually be the right decision, it will never feel that way. Simply because I love the sport with all my heart and I’m thankful for the memories and opportunities it has given me," she wrote.
Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has congratulated Angelique Kerber on her successful career. The 56-year-old referred to her as a "role model" in his comments.
"Dear Angie, big compliments on your career! You are a role model for all young women...congratulations!," Becker wrote (Translated to English).
"The Olympics are just as important a tournament as a Grand Slam": Angelique Kerber on the importance of the marquee event
Angelique Kerber recently sat for an interview with Vogue Germany ahead of her campaign in Paris. The German said that the Olympics hold a similar importance to the Grand Slams for her.
"I think every tennis player has their own opinion about the importance. Some say the Grand Slams come first. For others - I count myself among them - the Olympics are just as important a tournament as a Grand Slam," Kerber said.
The southpaw further highlighted the infrequent opportunity to represent the country at the Olympics which occurs only once every four years.
"After all, you can only play a match at the Olympic Games every four years. Representing your own country becomes even more important. It's a different feeling wearing the outfit with the federal eagle and the national colors," she added.
Apart from Kerber, Germany's women's tennis team includes the likes of Laura Siegemund, Tatjana Maria and Tamara Korpatsch. Kerber will start her singles campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics against Naomi Osaka.