Angelique Kerber: Olympics just as important as Grand Slam events

For Angelique Kerber, winning an Olympic medal is just as important as winning a Grand Slam title. The silver medallist from the Rio 2016 Games describes the chance to be at Paris 2024 as a “huge highlight” in a new interview published by Vogue Germany this week.

The Paris Olympics open on July 26, with the tennis competition getting underway a day later. Although the tournament takes place on the familiar clay courts of Roland Garros, Kerber expects the experience to be completely different, because of the special atmosphere associated with the Games.

“You can only play a match at the Olympic Games once every four years. Representing your country becomes even more important,” she explained.

“It’s a different feeling when you're wearing the outfit with the national eagle and the national colors. Being together in the Olympic Village. You don't get that kind of atmosphere at a normal tournament—not even at the Grand Slams.”

Kerber will be competing at her first Games since the birth of her daughter in 2023 and she admits to Vogue that her mentality on the court has completely changed since becoming a mother.

She says juggling motherhood and a sporting career requires not just a lot of organisation, but also courage, something she hopes her generation’s experience can help improve for younger players coming through.

"We are a generation in which more and more mothers are returning to competitive sport. I also think that's extremely important. That you still have a job for yourself,” she tells the magazine.

“Of course, children always come first, but ultimately, if you are happy with yourself and do what you love—be it a job or a hobby—then you can give much more back to your child and the other people around you.”

Read more (German-only): Full interview with Vogue Germany

Draws will be held on Thursday, with Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff earning the top two seeds in women's singles.