Angelique Kerber’s career in tennis saw a remarkable transformation from decent progress to becoming the number one player in the world. For the initial years, the German left-hander made steady progress, reaching major semi-finals but barely breaking into the mid-20s ranking.
Determined to improve, Kerber changed coaches, got into peak shape, and retooled her game. In 2016, at the age of 28, she stunned the tennis world by winning her first major, the Australian Open, defeating Serena Williams. Kerber continued her winning ways, reaching the final at the French Open and taking silver at the Olympics in Rio.
She closed out her breakthrough year by winning the US Open and becoming the oldest player in WTA history to ascend to the number one ranking. Kerber continued her success in 2018, making the semi-finals in Australia and the quarterfinals in Paris.
In 2021, after a year off from maternity leave, Kerber announced her retirement, leaving the sport as a surefire Hall of Famer with over $30 million in prize money, one of the ten highest totals in WTA history. Kerber’s story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to break through the glass ceiling and become the best player in the world.