Tennis

Angie against Goliath

The roles in the final – clearly. On the one hand, Williams, 21 Grand Slam titles, the world’s best tennis player. On the other: Kerber, null, title, pariah. But Houdini knew to surprise.

Let’s be honest: Actually, it is almost impossible for Angelique Kerber in the final against Serena Williams. Against those who, for 277 weeks is undisputedly the number one and the impact of seemingly every opponent from the square and sweeps. A hopeless Situation – so it seems.

But that is exactly Kerbers strength, her nickname has brought: “Houdini”. So have the US media, the German baptized after their Matches from seemingly hopeless situations, yet was able to free. Like the legendary Entfesselungskünster Harry Houdini. “This is quite phenomenal, as it always manages to head out of the sling to pull. If Angelique ago, she plays even more concentrated,” said John McEnroe, the German number one after their victory against Serenas sister, Venus Williams, 2012 in the second round of the US Open.

The impact – ouch

Defend – this is Kerbers thing. From the Defensive position to the currently world ranking of Sixth very good counter-attack. And that’s probably the, what, Saturday (9:30 CET in the DW-Liveticker) in the final against Williams also will be in demand. The German is Linkshänderin, this is for the great favourite from the USA, of course, a certain amount of conversion, but not a major Problem. Which Kerber can score: with your Forehand Longline – your best blow.

Kerbers weakness: her serve

Her great weakness – and the will Williams probably exploit to know – is your serve. Especially your second serve, the 21-time Grand Slam winner Williams with your Hammer Returns Kerber probably around the ears cut. Problematic could be for Kerber also be that your game is very kraftaufreibend. In long tournaments such as Grand Slam may well have a negative effect. Also, is the game of the 28-Year-old is often too passive. Even once the Initiative in the rally to take the opponent and, therefore, the audience will be surprised – this must be your goal.

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Experience has Kerber, also the Polish citizenship has, enough. Since 2003, she is on the Profitour. Tennis, that was always their lives, since their parents from Bremen to Kiel in an apartment within a tennis club moved. Speeches made Kerber for the first time by their Appearance at the US Open 2011 and Wimbledon 2012, where they respectively in the semi-final defeat. In October, the year it was Kerber then even as the Fifth in the world rankings and Germany’s number one. However, until today, not the same Public attention as their German colleague Sabine Lisicki or girlfriend Andrea Petkovic. That bothers Keber but not. The many defeats in 2013 and 2014, however, already. Only with the German Team reached 2014 in the final of the Fed Cup.

In February 2015 parted ways “Angie”, such as family, friends and the media you like to call, from her coach Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh. Cared for since then by Torben Beltz. The balance sheet: Kerber won in the past year, four of her seven WTA titles: Charleston, Stuttgart, Birmingham, and Stanford. Even at the WTA Finals at the end of the year was you. However, the German missed the semi-finals. A single Satzgewinn she lacked at the end of the nerves.

Should Kerber in the grip, if you are now in your most important Match on the best player in the world. On the fighting spirit, focus, good footwork, the most recently built self-confidence not only to respond, but even more to the point look – invincible, nobody is. Also Goliath, alias Williams not.