Angelique Kerber has had a good amount of practice and is ready to return to the courts after a very long time.
The absence of Kerber from tennis didn't happen because of an injury but a pregnancy, which is probably the happiest reason to miss tennis. She loves the sport and always maintained that she'll come back to it after her pregnancy, and it's happening.
She worked hard in the previous weeks and months to get to a decent level; now, it's about testing herself on the tennis court. She has a packed schedule, both Down Under and after and can't really wait to get it started.
I feel ready, the training has gone according to plan so far, and the anticipation for the start of the season in Australia is increasing. Since it’s been almost a year and a half since my last match, I can’t estimate where I currently stand.
As she noted, it's pretty tough to say where she stands regarding her level. It will probably take her a while to get to her best level as a long time has passed, but she's ready for the challenge. It's what she's excited most about - competing and measuring herself against others.
I have to be patient. Training and matches are not comparable. The challenge is huge, but that's exactly what excites me about it. I want to compete against the best players in the world and show the fans my best tennis.
She's not the youngest anymore at 35 and certainly won't play forever, so this might be the final big season she has. Time will tell, but it's good to have the champion back. She was one of the better players in the last decade, and they are always very welcome back on the WTA Tour.