Angelique Kerber has revealed when she intends to return to the WTA tour following the birth of her first child.
Kerber last played a professional match against Elise Mertens at Wimbledon last year, before going on to announce her pregnancy prior to the US Open.
The three-time Grand Slam champion gave birth to her daughter, Liana, on 25th February earlier this year.
After playing a friendly doubles match in her home tournament of Bad Homburg, Kerber has answered some questions about her training since giving birth.
"I hit a few balls on grass for the first time on Thursday in Bad Homburg, it was a great feeling," said the German. "Not being a player at Wimbledon this year is a strange feeling. But I won't be missing entirely. From the semi-finals I'll be there for appointments and of course I'll also watch the matches."
Kerber continued, "I'm training again, especially a lot of fitness in the early stages, to get my body used to the training load again. In Poland, in my academy, I've already hit a few balls. Now in Bad Homburg I've completed a more intensive session for the first time, playing for over an hour."
There were originally suggestions that the former No.1 would return at the US Open this year, however Kerber has elected to return afresh for the start of the 2024 season in a bid to play the Australian Open.
"In terms of tennis, it [the US Open] probably would have been possible. But I have to be physically fit, that has always distinguished me, and that takes time," explained Kerber.
"I don't want to make any compromises, I just want to be 100% sure that I can manage a three-hour match and be back on the pitch the next day. One match might work, the second would be difficult. I want to take my time, so I'd rather take two months more time to really attack."
She added, "I will return as the new season begins with the clear aim of playing the Australian Open in 2024. This also includes the preparatory tournaments in January in Australia, maybe the United Cup for Germany. Rejoining the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne would be a dream."
After confirming that she would return for the start of the 2024 season, Kerber spoke about her goals upon her return.
"I have high expectations of myself, that hasn't changed," revealed the 2018 Wimbledon champion. "On the other hand, I'm also aware of how long the way back can be. I don't want to come back just to play. That would be the wrong attitude, I don't have to prove anything to anyone anymore."
"That's why I'm taking my time now to get fit. I could probably play Wimbledon and the US Open this year, but not at the level I imagine. The goal is the Grand Slam tournaments, that's what I'm working towards. And of course the 2024 Olympics in Paris."
Kerber will turn 36 in January, and was asked whether she believed she could still challenge at the top of the sport in the latter stages of her career.
"We'll see, but otherwise I wouldn't take up the challenge. I've always been lucky not to have had any major injuries. But of course I'm aware that it won't get any easier at 36," she said. "I want to get back to my sport, my job, and do what I love. Other mothers in their professions will certainly be able to understand that."
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