Kerber says Australian Open defeat was not setback amid comeback

Former world number one Angelique Kerber stressed that her first round defeat at the Australian Open on Tuesday was not a setback amid her comeback after a 18-month maternity leave.

"No, it wasn't a setback at all. I know I have to be patient to find my pace on the court again. It was good in parts, but I still need time," Kerber said after a 2-6, 6-3, 1-6 to American Danielle Collins.

The Australian Open is her first Grand Slam after she returned to competitive tournaments during the United Cup last December. The German athlete gave birth to her daughter in February 2023 and hadn't played since summer 2022.

"I want to learn from this tournament. It was a cold start after 18 months, I knew that beforehand. It's still a big challenge and I'm taking it on," Kerber said.

"Of course, I had hoped to play two more rounds here. I would have liked a slightly easier draw, but I know it's never easy for me. And that's why I'm going to take the positives with me and try to keep working and be patient," she said.

Kerber wants to compete again at the latest at the top WTA 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami in March. It is not yet clear whether she will play in Doha or Dubai next month.