Stuttgart (SID) – Angelique Kerber has to do without fan support this year, but the anticipation for the tournament at home in Stuttgart is high. The best German tennis player, who had already won the title twice (2015, 2016) before the tournament kicked off on Monday, said: “I have had many great memories here in recent years, and that definitely makes me feel at home.”

Since the clay court tournament was held in front of empty ranks due to the Corona pandemic, Kerber has developed a special tactic. “The fans are in their heads and in their hearts,” said the three-time Grand Slam winner on Sunday. “I know the fans are at home in front of the TV screens. I just imagine the fans are with me.”

Kerber puts no pressure on herself before her debut match of the year on The Unloved Red Ash. “I don’t have much expectations. Support and I – I don’t know what will happen this year,” the 33-year-old said with a laugh, but was optimistic: “I have trained really well recently. Weeks. In that matches I’ve won. In general, I feel good. “

The WTA Stuttgart Championships (until April 25) will be broadcast on several channels. In addition to live webcasts from the organizers, SWR will be showing live photos from Wednesday, and the DAZN streaming platform will show all the games live from Monday.