Berlin – Angelique Kerber is not in the tennis tournament in Berlin next week. The three-time Grand Slam tournament winner had been offered a wild card until the very last minute, but tournament director Barbara Rittner had withheld it from her.
Kerber (34) had previously publicly justified her decision not to take part in the grass court tournament from 13 to 19 June with a lack of appreciation. She did not want to be more specific.
Rittner recently told the Märkische Allgemeine: “Ultimately, there was simply a misunderstanding in the run-up, an email that was poorly formulated. Such things happen and fortunately we were able to clear it up. Nothing stuck.”
World number one Iga Swiatek of Poland cancelled her participation due to a shoulder injury. “I’m sorry I can’t play,” the 21-year-old shared on social media. “I will focus on my recovery and take a break to be ready for Wimbledon.” Swiatek, who is currently excelling, had last secured the title at the French Open in Paris, winning her 35th consecutive match in the final. The WTA tournament in Berlin from 13 to 19 June in preparation for the grass-court classic at Wimbledon is endowed with 757,000 US dollars (709,000 euros).
