By Blair Henley

Last year at the now-defunct Texas Tennis Open, Angelique Kerber arrived as the top seed with a ranking of No. 6 in the world. Pretty standard, right? Until you consider that she was ranked No. 106 – that’s one hundred spots lower – just one year before at the same tournament. The 25-year-old German had a breakout performance at the 2011 US Open where she reached the semis, and the self-described “quiet” competitor hasn’t looked back.

Now a fixture in the top 10, Kerber’s lefty forehand and punishing power off the baseline have made her a consistent threat to the WTA’s elite. Before taking on the competition at the Citi Open this week, Kerber spoke with Tennis Now about her rise to tennis stardom.   

Tennis Now: Let’s start with your childhood. How did you start playing? Did your parents play?
Angelique Kerber: I touched my first tennis racquet when I was three years old. I have always loved sports, any sport!

I know you played other sports. How did you decide on tennis?
It became obvious growing and playing more and more. I thus gave up swimming to practice tennis at another level.

You turned pro at 15. Do you ever feel like you missed out on a “normal” life? Or are you thankful for the experiences you’ve had thanks to tennis?
You can always be happy traveling the world, meeting new people, visiting amazing places. I obviously sometimes miss my family and being at home, but a tennis player’s career is short so you have to make the most of it when you have the chance. Also, my mum, sister, and sometimes my grand-mother travel with me to some tournaments. We go and have dinner in some Polish restaurants we know and that feels a little bit like home.

What is the best part about being a professional tennis player?
Traveling the world!

What is the worst part?
The tan marks on your feet and back! (laughs) More seriously, the routine you have to have everyday to be at your best – fitness, practice, nutrition – you have to be under permanent control of yourself.

I spoke with Andrea Petkovic recently, and she talked a lot about your friendship. It seems like you might be the quiet one in the relationship, though. How would you describe your personality?
I like Andrea a lot. She is one of my best friends on tour. To answer your question, I’m a normal girl, and it’s true that I’m also quiet. This is who I am also. I like hanging around with my friends and doing what every single girl of my age likes to do. I’m nice and kind, and I’m a family person, too. Tough question, though. It’s hard to talk about yourself...I recommend you ask my mates on tour (laughs).

You went from unknown to top 10 in a very short period of time. What do you attribute that to? Did you change something in your game? Did you mature mentally? Magic?
I don’t think there is anything really magic. You obviously can be gifted, but without hard work, great concentration, determination and dedication on and off-court, it’s hard to become a champion. I have worked way more on my fitness, and that’s what really made the difference at that time before I started to increase my ranking.

Given how quickly you were thrust into the tennis spotlight, what has the fame been like? Has that been a strange adjustment?
It’s always really positive and pleasant: people coming to see you, asking for autographs and pictures, congratulating you. There is no real adjustment. It’s just giving time to your fans who give you so much back in terms of support and love.

Have you had any bizarre encounters with fans?
No! So far so good (laughs).

Obviously with success, there comes money. Are you a saver or a spender? Is there anything special you’ll let yourself splurge on?
I’m neither a spender nor a saver. I try to please myself as much as I can, but I have to admit, I’m crazy with jewelry. I offered myself some nice gifts at Tiffany last US Open!

With your Polish background, you’re friends with a lot of girls on the tour from that region of the world. Can you talk about that a little bit?
I get along with everyone on tour. Of course, I have a special connection with both the German and Polish girls like Aga, Caroline, and Andrea. It feels good to talk in both languages and share the same culture.

Speaking of other players, there has been some drama on the women’s side of the game with Sloane, Serena and Maria among others. Are you glad you stay out of all of that?
I have been really focused on my game and my preparation, not really getting into what is happening around me.

You’re a lefty, which some opponents have trouble with. Do you enjoy frustrating them with that aspect of your game?
It’s always great to know you can trouble your opponent with your game and also beat top players. That’s why I have been working so hard – to be consistent in my game and also my ranking as I grow as a tennis player.

You and Caroline Wozniacki played in the Indian Wells quarterfinals this year, and a lot of people were fascinated with the “moonballing” in that match. What were you thinking while that was going on? Were you surprised at how big of a deal people made out of that?
As I said, it happens at every tournament, I was really focusing on my game and my preparation.

Who do you travel with? Does it ever get lonely?
My mum tries to come as much as she can, as well as my sister and grandmother. Luckily, I have my team with me, and I barely feel lonely. You are always surrounded by people taking care of you so it’s pretty impossible to be or feel lonely. Homesick sometimes (when you travel on and on without stopping by your house for a while), but not lonely!

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)