Indian Wells: Angelique Kerber advanced to the fourth round of the Indian Wells Masters with an “intense” win over Veronika Kudermet and said it was just what she needed on her return from maternity leave.
The 36-year-old player with three Grand Slam titles, who welcomed the birth of her daughter Liana last year, beat the 17th-seeded Russia 6-4, 7-5.
“It was a really intense match – almost two hours for two sets,” said the German. “It is another important victory for me and it gives me confidence for the next rounds.
“I felt good,” Kerber added. “Good shots, good movement. I’m on my way to playing good tennis again against the best players.”
Kerber said she prefers to play tournaments instead of spending long hours on the practice court. “I’ve been practicing for months now – I’m done with practice,” she said. “I’m happy to have matches now.
“If you go to the practice court every day and do the same things, it’s nice to be in a tournament now.” We had three, four months of training, preparation. It’s been a long time, so I’m glad to have tournaments now.”
Kerber’s victory set up a showdown with fellow WTA tennis mother Caroline Wozniacki, who booked her place in the round of 16 by beating American Katie Volynets 6-2, 4-6, 6-0.
The pair of former No. 1s last met in 2019. “We’re friends now and we’ll still be after the match,” Kerber said. “Of course we will try to win.
“But in the end I think there are more important things than a tennis match. It will be an interesting match for the audience,” she said.
