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Misery of 2017 inspired me to Wimbledon triumph, Says Kerber after winning Serena Williams

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Angelique Kerber became the first German woman to win Wimbledon for 22 years on Saturday but insisted the seeds of her shock triumph over Serena Williams were sown during a miserable 2017 season .This time last year , Kerber was knocked out in the fourth round at the All England Club following a first -round exit at Roland Garros.

Another first -round loss at the US Open , where she was defending champion , contributed to her ending the year at 21 in the world , her lowest ranking in six seasons .

“ I think without 2017 I couldn’ t win this tournament , ” said the 30 -year – old Kerber after seeing off Williams 6 – 3 , 6 -3 .

“I think I learned a lot from last year , with all the expectations , all the things I went through .

“I learned so many things about myself , about the things around, how to deal with this , how to make my day schedule.

“Now I try to enjoy every single moment . ”

This year has reflected that new approach .

Now with coach Wim Fissette , who has worked with the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep and Kim Clijsters, she captured the Sydney title in January and made the semi -finals at the Australian Open and last -eight at Roland Garros.

Saturday ’ s victory was Kerber’ s third title at the Slams — all coming after her 28 th birthday.

She stunned Williams in the 2016 Australian Open final to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.

Six months later , she was runner-up to Williams at Wimbledon before adding a second career major at the US Open with victory over Karolina Pliskova .

Before her breakthrough at the 2016 Australian Open , she had played 31 Slams with runs to the semi- finals at the 2011 US Open and 2012 Wimbledon representing her best performances.

Kerber, her country ’ s first women ’ s champion at the All England Club since Steffi Graf in 1996, admitted that her late career surge was due to a fear of time running out.

But her confidence ahead of Saturday , where she became just the second woman to defeat Serena more than once in a Slam final , was also buoyed by her late blooming .

“I ’ m 30 already . I had so much experience over the years . I know the feeling of going out there in the semi -finals , playing the finals .

“I played here once the final already , so I knew what to expect. I think that helps me also to be a little bit relaxed today . ”

Kerber, born to a German father and Polish mother, was also quick to acknowledge the influence of Graf , who won 22 Grand Slam singles titles including seven at Wimbledon .

“My first memories was watching Steffi here , winning matches in two sets .

“Everybody was playing in white on the grass court . I think Wimbledon is something special .

“Winning here , it ’ s forever . ”

( AFP )

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