Retired WTA Star Andrea Petkovic Throws Ugly Shade at ‘Friend’ and ‘Sister’ Angelique Kerber in Cryptic Tribute

German tennis has seen many stalwarts taking to the court over the years. Among them is Angelique Kerber, a former World Number 1, who impressed one and all with her baseline game. Despite the likes of Serena and Venus Williams ruling the last decade and a half, Kerber managed to win three Grand Slam titles. However, Kerber’s compatriot and close friend, Andrea Petkovic, pointed out a peculiar weakness in her game.

While Kerber’s return game was among the best, she often struggled with her serves. This imbalance prohibited her from ushering her domination alongside the Williams sisters. Petkovic, who had watched Kerber’s game closely, highlighted this weakness in a recent post.

Andrea Petkovic dives deep into the game of Angelique Kerber: “Sadly for Angie, a serve is…”

Recently, Petkovic’s latest substack was published where she talked about the women in her tennis career. One among them was Kerber, with whom she shared a good relationship on and off the court. While their relationship grew from being a ‘friend’ to ‘sister’, it was clear who dominated the head-to-head between them. Immensely influenced by Kerber in her career, Petkovic gave an honest view of Kerber’s game.

She said, “I always say, if tennis was played from the baseline only, Angie Kerber would have been the greatest female tennis player of all times. I know that because I have played the greatest female tennis player of all times. Sadly for Angie, a serve is required in tennis.” Despite sharing a wonderful bond, the two had a fierce on-court rivalry. They faced each other a staggering 11 times, with their matches always being closely fought. While Petkovic prevailed on three occasions, Kerber took home 8 wins against her compatriot.

As Petkovic points out, “I beat Angie three times. Once in Linz, once in Paris and once in Dubai. There are 200 reasons why I remember those wins so vividly and they are called all the losses I ever had against her. Three accidents shine brightly in a night full of horrors.” While Petkovic has been playing against Kerber since they were in their preteens, the latter has taught much about the game to the former.

Last year, Kerber welcomed a baby girl, Liana. Although she missed the entire 2023 season, she vowed to make a comeback this year and she did so. Additionally, Kerber was inspired by her daughter to make a return to the sport.

Kerber’s motherhood becomes an inspiration for her

At 36, the German tennis star is looking to get back to her best. Moreover, traveling with her daughter to tennis tournaments has given her the extra motivation to achieve success. She was seen with her 10-month-old daughter at Indian Wells and revealed how she became an inspiration for her. Kerber said, “Having my daughter by my side, it’s even more inspiring for me to have her, and there’s something bigger than tennis as well, which learned… and it’s not tennis anymore, its her.”

With the grass-court season coming up in a few weeks, Kerber will be determined to get back to winning ways on her favorite surface. While one of her greatest friends/ rivals may have retired, with family by her side, nothing seems impossible to her despite age not being on Kerber’s side.