Angelique Kerber targets Paris 2024 Olympic glory with Alexander Zverev, 'dreams' to be Germany's flag bearer
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Updated 20/03/2024 at 16:12 GMT
Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber will be making her return to tennis next month after becoming a mother. Kerber is set to play with Alexander Zverev for Germany at the United Cup, and hopes the same connection could bring success at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Kerber also says she is motivated ahead of her return after 18 months away from tennis.
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Angelique Kerber has revealed her ambitions to play alongside Alexander Zverev at the 2024 Paris Olympics – and her “dream” to be Germany’s flag bearer.
The former world No. 1 gave birth earlier this year and has not played on tour since Wimbledon 2022. She will make her return at the United Cup next month, where she will be playing for Germany along with Zverev.
Representing her country in Paris is another ambition for Kerber, who won singles silver in Rio 2016.
Asked if she could see an Olympic gold for Germany with Zverev, she told Bild: “Very much! When we meet in Australia, we will definitely talk about it.
"It would make me very happy. The Olympics in Paris are the highlight and playing for Germany is always an honour."
At the age of 35, this is likely to be Kerber’s last Olympics. She says it would be a “dream” to be Germany’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony.
"It would be indescribable for any athlete to walk in with the German flag, and it's also a dream of mine," she said.
Kerber won the Australian Open in 2016, when she also reached world No. 1, the Wimbledon final and was victorious at the US Open.
She will be one of several new mothers returning to Australia in January, along with Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki.
“I’ve done everything, I feel good, we’re right on schedule. But it’s too early to make a prediction,” she said.
“In plain language: I have a really cold start in Australia and the most difficult one I’ve had so far. But that’s exactly what motivates me.”
Zverev will be the defending men’s singles champion at next summer’s Olympics.
The 26-year-old ended Novak Djokovic’s Golden Slam aims in Tokyo and beat Karen Khachanov in the final to secure gold.
He has also expressed his desire to be the flag bearer for Germany, saying it would be an “unbelievable dream”.
"That in itself is something I would be really happy about,” he told Bild am Sonntag last month.
"There is no greater honour. I always have said that the Olympics are the greatest thing that can happen in a sports career."
Flag bearers at the Olympics can be decided in a variety of ways. They can be chosen by their National Olympic Committee or by their team-mates or colleagues.
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