Angelique Kerber expects first child, withdraws from 2022 US Open
WTA
Former WTA World No. 1 Angelique Kerber will not participate in the 2022 US Open after she announced that she's expecting her first child.
Kerber is a three-time Grand Slam champion, a silver Olympic medalist, and also a former World No. 1 player. Currently, she's ranked 52nd in the WTA Rankings, and therefore, she automatically qualified for the 2022 US Open.
However, Kerber won't play the tournament as she is expecting her first child and therefore, fans can expect not to see the German on the WTA Tour for some time.
The German player announced her withdrawal and also pregnancy with a playful post on social media. Kerber stated that she wanted to compete in New York, but she has decided that it wouldn't be fair to play two against one, referring to her baby.
"I really wanted to play the US Open, but eventually, I decided that two against one just isn‘t a fair competition. For the next months, I will take a break from traveling the globe as a tennis player, but then again, I believe it’s for the best possible reason! I will miss all of you."
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"New York has often been a turning point in my career, and it feels like this year will be no different in some way! From restarting my career in 2011 to winning the title in 2016 and becoming #1 in the world… the US Open has a special place in my heart, and I wish I could have said goodbye to all of you on the court before not being around on tour for a while."
This will be a new chapter for Kerber, but at the same time, it seems that it's not the last chapter in her tennis career. According to her statement, she will return to the sport, which is great news for all of her fans.
"Being a professional athlete means everything to me but I’m grateful for the new path I’m heading to. To be honest, I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Thanks for your continued support - it means everything to me."
