Former Champion Angelique Kerber Suffers Australian Open Injury Setback
Three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber’s hopes of a strong comeback at the Australian Open have been dealt a severe blow after she suffered an injury setback. The former World No. 1, who won the Australian Open in 2016, has been battling to return to top form, but her latest injury could put those plans on hold.
Kerber, who was aiming to make a deep run in Melbourne, withdrew from her warm-up matches citing discomfort in her lower back, raising concerns about her fitness level heading into the tournament. This is not the first time injuries have hindered her career, and the timing of this latest setback couldn’t be worse as she was looking to regain momentum after a difficult season plagued by various physical issues.
“It’s really disappointing, especially after working so hard to get back,” Kerber said in a statement. “I was looking forward to competing, but my body needs more time to recover, and I have to listen to it.”
The injury puts Kerber’s participation in the Australian Open in serious doubt, and even if she does make it to the court, she will likely not be at full strength. For fans of the German star, the news is a tough reminder of the physical toll that professional tennis can take, especially on veteran players trying to stage a comeback.