News : Angelique Kerber – Successful despite defeat – Sport

Missed the title, but the form is right: Angelique Kerber missed the tournament victory at the tournament in Eastbourne, but nevertheless made a successful dress rehearsal for Wimbledon. The 31-year-old defeated in a one-sided final of the Czech world ranking third Karolina Pliskova 1: 6, 4: 6. On Tuesday, the defending champion from Kiel still starts as one of the favorites in the Grand Slam classic in southern London (until 14 July). "I did my best, but she deserved the win today," said Kerber, "I had a great week here and it's the best preparation for me to go to Wimbledon."

Against the strong Aufschlägerin Pliskova Kerber acted from the beginning to defensive and was quickly back with 0: 4. She lost the first set in just 31 minutes and quickly conceded the first break in the second round. Kerber tried desperately in the episode to find out about the fight into play. But the uncompromising Pliskova did not give her a chance this time. Kerber had reached the final of Eastbourne without a fight, the Tunisian Ons Jabeur did not occur on Friday because of an ankle injury to the semifinals. Kerber played her second final of the year, having lost in Indian Wells in three sets against Bianca Andreescu (USA) in March.

Most recently, the three-time major winner presented in strong form. On Thursday she celebrated in the quarterfinals a convincing 6: 4, 6: 3 against the former world number one Simona Halep (Romania), already in the week before she had reached the semi-finals in Mallorca. Above all the forehand develops more and more to its strongest weapon, the footwork is as usual first class.

After Wimbledon Kerber comes as one of the top favorites, as last year's winner, however, she is in the role of the hunted, which was rare. After a mostly by illness and injury completely messed up clay court season, the 31-year-old finally found more and more to their form. Therefore, before returning to the sacred turf at Wimbledon, she confidently proclaimed, "I want to defend my title."

The draw brought Kerber on Friday a German duel with Tatjana Maria in round one, but then a hard way to the re-title. Already in round three threatens a meeting with Maria Sharapova (Russia), in the round of 16 the reissue of last year's final against US superstar Serena Williams and a round later a duel with the new world number one and French Open champion Ashleigh Barty (Australia). But Kerber seems to be ready. The return to her favorite grass she had last winged. "I felt right at home after the first few practice sessions," she said. "The plan was to have a lot of matches, to see it as a workout." Therefore, she may also benefit from the lessons given by Pliskova.