‘Something I Was Always Looking Forward’ – Angelique Kerber Reminisces Her Childhood Memory of Watching Steffi Graff Play at Wimbledon

Eyeing her second Grass Slam on the grass courts, Angelique Kerber is cruising over her opponents. Winning the first two rounds with ease, the 2018 champion is through to the third round of the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.

Over the years, the former World No. 1 has time and again called Wimbledon her favorite tournament. Moving ahead in the draw, Kerber recently went back in time, recalling her childhood days. Having a nostalgic moment, the German sensation opened up about her earliest memory of Wimbledon. Especially the Centre Court.

When Angelique Kerber used to fangirl over Steffi Graf

The 2022 Wimbledon Championships have been in the midst of controversy owing to its decision concerning the Russia-Ukraine crisis. However, despite the odds, the Championships have also got a major reason to celebrate this year. Known as the tournament of history and traditions, this year, Wimbledon is celebrating the centenary of the Centre Court. Built-in 1922, the most famous tennis court in the world has completed 100 years.

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Celebrating the centenary, the Championships recently hosted its 2018 Ladies singles champion Angelique Kerber for a candid interview session. During the interview, the 34-year-old went back in time, recalling her childhood memory of the tournament.

Going back in time, Kerber recalled seeing her childhood idol, Steffi Graf, take the centre stage and lifting the trophy. “My earliest memory with the center court was when I was watching and I saw the center court on TV. When I was a little kid, watching Steffi Graf and all the champions playing this traditional tournament and holding the trophy at the end,” Kerber started.

Over the years, Kerber, on various occasions, has admitted that being a tennis player was her childhood dream. Not to mention, she has not only lived her dream but has also touched the marks that most tennis players still dream of. Adding to it, she further admitted that playing at Wimbledon was also her childhood dream.

“It was something I was always looking forward to watching during my school time because it was always my dream to play once here, at Wimbledon. Especially at Centre court.”

The best of Kerber at Wimbledon

As mentioned earlier, Wimbledon has been her favorite tournament of Kerber for a long time. Though, she won the title in 2018. Climbing the ladder to the finals, she outplayed players like Naomi Osaka, Daria Kasatkina, and Jelena Ostapenko. Being at her peak, she continued her domination in the finals, outplaying the 7-time champion Serena Williams.

Following a title, her second-best result came in 2016, where she finished as a runner up. Outplaying players like Simona Halep and Venus Williams, Kerber set up a final clash with eventual champion Serena Williams. Apart from these two, the German star has also reached the semifinals on two occasions.

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Playing in her 15th Wimbledon this year, Kerber looks to replicate her 2018 win this year. She is next set to go against the winner of the match between Panna Udvardy and Elise Mertens.