Angelique Kerber’s Grand Slam comeback ended a devastating lose in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday as the new mum crashed out in three sets to Danielle Collins.
After taking an 18-month break to welcome her child, the German player made a strong comeback in her first significant tournament but ultimately fell to the 2022 Melbourne Park finalist with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
Despite Collins breaking three times in the initial set, Kerber, a three-time major champion, mounted a comeback. In the second set, the 35-year-old German saved two break points in the sixth game and capitalized on a break point in the next, taking a 4-3 lead. This turn of events gave the 2016 Australian Open champion a glimmer of hope, leading her to swiftly level the match by winning the next two games.
However, Collins persisted and secured a crucial break in the third game of the final set, ultimately breaking twice more to secure victory. Despite reuniting with her longtime coach Torben Beltz, Kerber’s return from maternity leave has been challenging, marked by a loss in four out of five matches at the United Cup prior to her defeat against Collins.
