wimbledon: I learnt a lot about myself in 2017: Angelique Kerber | Tennis News

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Angelique Kerber has some practice in breaking down walls. In showing the way. In 2016 she sounded a bell when she won two Grand Slams titles to become the oldest first-time No.1 on the women's Tour. Some 18 months later, following a horrific 2017, more lag than losses to contend with, the left-hander came back to clinch the Wimbledon title, beating the decorated Serena Williams in the final. That victory saw the 30-year-old become the only player not named Williams to have two victories over the superstar American in Grand Slam finals.

ALSO READ: Kerber stuns Serena to win maiden Wimbledon title

Seated upright, legs crossed, Kerber, sporting a sparkling smile and a fitted black-and-white combination, told a select group of international medial, that her triumph was a result of months of sweat and planning.

Excerpts:

Does this victory feel more real, than the ones in 2016?

This one feels more real. It's my third one, it's a different year, different Grand Slam. When I see all the names of the players who won Wimbledon on the wall, it shows me that I'm a part of this too. It gives me confidence, that I made the final and won it too.

What was your mentality, coming into the final, playing Serena?

I really look forward to playing these matches. It is the match that I know I have to play my best tennis, these are the kind of matches that when I am practicing or working hard that are always on my mind. I know I have to play my best in the final, especially against Serena, one of the best players and champions in the world. I have to go for it, take the match in my hand a little bit, also enjoy playing it.

ALSO READ: I won but Serena didn't lose, says Kerber

You are different person now, older, more experienced as well…

Yes, I have much more experienced than two years ago, because the last two years gave me so much experience both good and bad things. But like I said without 2017 I wouldn't be here because I learnt so much about myself, about the person I am, improving my tennis. I think it is a process, the process of years of playing tournaments, important matches, being in this situation -- where the pressure is on your side or the side of your opponent - and dealing with it.

Is there a particular target now, being No.1 again?


I am not focusing on No.1 to be honest. I am focusing on myself, on what I want from this tournament. Then we'll see what happens in the next few months.


What are the changes your coach Wim Fissette made to your game?


When we started working together, I said to him that I would like to change my serve. That was one of the biggest changes (we made to my game). I knew that I had to improve my serve. Especially in big matches where I'm not serving big and really fast. He changed the technique a little bit and yeah also made my second serve a little bit more confident.

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