After 2017 slide, Angie Kerber is learning how to handle losses better

Two-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber says that she doesn’t dwell on poor performances that much anymore, and that has helped her play.

On Sunday in Fed Cup, the German Kerber fell against Petra Kvitova pretty easily, then turned the tables on Wednesday in Stuttgart, crushing Kvitova in the first round.

“For sure, I get frustrated when I lose. On the other hand, I savor the good moments even more,” said Kerber.

“In sport, ups and downs are a part of everyday life.

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"I can’t allow myself to define myself through sporting success…I want to play my best tennis in every match and keep exceeding myself. No matter which tournament.”

In 2017, the No. 12 fell in the rankings but has begun to play substantially better, winning Sydney and reaching the semis at the Australian Open before falling against No. 1 Simona Halep 9-7 in the third.

Though she has not made any big runs since then, the 30-year-old won two Slams in 2016 and learned to stay calm in the big matches.

“I first of all had to get used to the pressure,” she says. “It enables me to concentrate on my job better.”

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