Misfiring Kerber returns to major-winning coach

In search of more Grand Slam glory, three-time major champion Angelique Kerber has turned to a familiar face once again to guide her. The 32-year-old former World No 1 will turn to coach Torben Beltz when the WTA Tour resumes next month. 

Kerber will work with Beltz for the fourth time after struggling under an array of coaches in recent months as she has tumbled down the WTA rankings.

The German is now ranked 21st and has not won a Tour event since Wimbledon in 2018.

Kerber, who was working with Beltz when she produced her best professional season in 2016, spent the beginning of 2020 with German Dieter Kindlmann and compiled a 4-3 record with a round of 16 appearance at the Australian Open. 

Beltz spent two and a half years guiding Croatia’s Donna Vekic, and managed to help her make her Top 20 debut last season; Vekic also turned in a career-best result at the US Open, where she reached the last eight at a Slam for the first time. Vekic and Beltz parted ways two weeks ago. 

Beltz worked with Kerber early in her career, and again from 2011 to 2013. 

The German southpaw rehired Beltz in 2015 and this led to Kerber’s breakthrough season in 2016 which saw her win her first two major titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, as well as an Olympic gold medal. Kerber achieved her only year-end No 1 finish that season, and also reached the Wimbledon final and led the tour with 63 victories as she produced a jaw-dropping 12-3 record against Top 10 competition. 

 

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Bye, bye #Rio2016!! It’s been a true honour… #WirfuerD #OlympicGames #TeamAngie

A post shared by Angelique Kerber (@angie.kerber) on Aug 15, 2016 at 9:26am PDT

The pair parted ways in November and 2017, and Kerber hired Wim Fissette and went on to win her third major and first Wimbledon title in 2018. 

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