Kerber dances to 'Atemlos' in emotional farewell match

Angelique Kerber bid a tearful farewell to her professional tennis career, marked by an emotional show match in Bad Homburg. The 38-year-old German, a three-time Grand Slam champion, played her final match against former world number one Ana Ivanović of Serbia, winning 6-3, 7-5. However, the result took a backseat to the occasion, with 4,100 spectators giving Kerber a standing ovation.

“

It is a great honor to now also be a legend. As of today, I have truly retired. The chapter is closed. A new one can begin.

Amidst sweltering heat exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Kerber experienced a deeply moving afternoon. "It is a great honor to now also be a legend," Kerber said, reflecting on her career. "As of today, I have truly retired. The chapter is closed. A new one can begin." She is a mother to a son, aged one, and a daughter, aged three.

During the match, after winning the first set, the former world number one briefly set aside her racket to dance with long-time companion Andrea Petkovic to Helene Fischer's hit song "Atemlos." Video messages from tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf were displayed, while Boris Becker watched from the stands. Kerber expressed her gratitude, saying, "It is so nice to see you all here. It means a lot to me."

“

It is so nice to see you all here. It means a lot to me.

Kerber had previously bid farewell to the major tennis scene at the Olympic Games in Paris nearly two years ago. Her retirement match was initially planned for an earlier date but was postponed due to her becoming a mother for the second time last year. Kerber currently serves as the sports director for the Bad Homburg Open. She is also set to begin a new role as an expert commentator for Amazon Prime Video during the second week of Wimbledon.

“

I have goosebumps when I see the images.