German · Bremen, Germany · Born 18 January 1988Angelique Kerber is a German former professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles and reached world No. 1 in 2016.
Angelique Kerber was born on 18 January 1988 in Bremen, West Germany, and turned professional in 2003, developing into one of the most tenacious defensive players of her generation, renowned for exceptional court coverage, a reliable two-handed backhand, and the ability to consistently frustrate more naturally powerful opponents. Kerber's breakthrough came in 2016, one of the finest seasons in modern WTA history: she won the Australian Open, defeating Serena Williams in the final, added the US Open title later that year, and reached the Wimbledon final and the Rio Olympics singles final, ultimately claiming the year-end world No. 1 ranking — becoming, at 28, the oldest player to reach the top spot for the first time. Kerber completed her collection of major titles by winning Wimbledon in 2018, defeating seven-time champion Serena Williams in the final, giving her three Grand Slam singles titles across three different surfaces. She held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 34 weeks across her career. Kerber retired from professional tennis on 31 July 2024, following the Paris Olympics and a period of maternity leave after the birth of her first child, closing out a career built on remarkable consistency and mental resilience that made her one of the most respected competitors of the post-Serena Williams generation.
German three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1
In 2016 she won three Grand Slams in one calendar year — Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — only the third woman in the Open Era to do so.
Did You Know?How They Played
Kerber is known for her exceptional defensive abilities and court coverage, often turning defense into attack with her speed and anticipation. She possesses a powerful left-handed groundstroke game with excellent passing shots and the ability to hit winners from seemingly impossible positions. Her mental toughness and fighting spirit make her particularly dangerous in long rallies and tight matches.
Lasting Impact
Kerber revitalized German women's tennis and proved that consistent, grinding tennis could still triumph at the highest level in the modern power game.
Career Honours
- Australian Open 2016
- US Open 2016
- Wimbledon 2018
- former world No. 1
German Athletes