Wimbledon 2021: Angelique Kerber copes with slow start of debutante Nina Stojanovic
Former world number one Angelique Kerber got off to a shaky start against Wimbledon debutant Nina Stojanovic on Tuesday before finding her groove on the grass to win 6-4, 6-3 and advance to the second round.
Kerber, one of five former champions in the draw, came into Wimbledon full of confidence following her first title triumph in three years at the inaugural Bad Homburg grasscourt event last week.
The German left-hander made a slew of errors at the start of her first career meeting with Stojanovic, however, trailing 3-0 before switching gears to surge ahead of the 24-year-old and bag the opening set under the roof on Court One.
“I didn’t know what to expect… she started really well, especially the first few games,” Kerber, who converted four out of 12 break point opportunities, told reporters.
“She was playing really hard and fast, especially the first and second serve. I was trying to stay in the match, focusing on my chances. And also the last few games, especially last few points, I was a bit nervous.”
Serbian Stojanovic, who had troubled Kerber with her huge serve and variety of strokes, struggled to find her range and was left with a mountain to climb as the 2018 winner broke early in the second set to race 3-1 ahead.
Serving with authority at key moments, Kerber fended off a late comeback attempt by her unseeded rival to complete the win on her fourth match point when Stojanovic sent a return long.
Stojanovic hit 20 winners to Kerber’s 11, but made 32 unforced errors.
“She plays well, so she was going for it. I think it was a solid first round and first match. It’s great to being through,” Kerber said.
“I’m feeling really good. Especially, of course, with the win under my belt last week coming here to Wimbledon, that gives me a lot of confidence. And also playing on grass again, which I love to play. It fits my game.”
Up next for 2016 runner-up Kerber is unseeded Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo or Croatian qualifier Ana Konjuh.
