Kirsten Flipkens (WTA ranking 88) will attempt to make waves this Thursday, in the second round of Wimbledon, against Angelique Kerber (WTA ranking 1). The slightly-built girl from the Kemp area of Belgium, 31, will have the honour of playing on Court number 1 to, attempt to trip up the German, 29. The latter was the finalist last year against Serena Williams (WTA ranking 4). Kerber beat Flipkens in 2014 in London, during their only previous Grand Slam match.
Flipkens explained, “It’s a small miracle that I am here, given my shoulder problems, however I will obviously do everything to try to win.” She went on, “I haven’t had the ideal preparation but I am very pleased to be through to the second round and to have the opportunity to play against the World number 1. I am particularly hampered with my serve. I am only serving 80%, but on the other hand, this enables me to hit a high percentage of first serves, which is also important on grass. I know that now more is required of me and that I will have to raise my game, if I want to be in with a chance.”
Kirsten Flipkens has prepared for her match against Angelique Kerber competing in the first round of the women’s doubles yesterday alongside the Indian, Sania Mirza. Seeded number 13 in the table, the duo won 6-4, 6-3 against the Japanese and Chinese players, being Naomi Osaka, and Shuai Zhang respectively. Having said that “Flipper”, knows very well that it will be a whole different kettle of fish, playing against the left-handed server from Bremen, originally from Polond, who has been beaten in the first round of Roland Garros, but who has very often played well at Wimbledon.
She concludes, “I know what to expect. Three years ago, I played a very good match against her here (editor’s note: she lost 3-6, 6-3, 6-2). I will play my game and attack, as if I stay two metres behind my baseline and I simply push the ball, I will easily lose. Let’s see if I succeed. Anyway, I have nothing to lose. The pressure is on her. She is the World number 1 and she must defend her title. In any case, I am pleased to be playing again on a major court and I will try to smash this!”
[Despite Flipkens’s enthusiasm and an admirable hard-fought battle on her part, in the event Kerber won the match 7-5, 7-5.]
The Brussels Times
