Kerber announces her return with knockout of Ostapenko

Returning tennis mother Angelique Kerber took a major step back to form as she ousted fellow Grand Slam winner Jelena Ostapenko in a 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 comeback to book the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Friday. 

The 34-year-old German who gave birth last summer and returned to the courts two months ago in January, won two consecutive matches for the first time since Wimbledon two years ago.

Kerbe owns three titles at the majors – Australia, Wimbledon and the US Open – while Latvian Ostapenko, the10th seed, won Paris seven years ago.

“It feels good to play a match like this and to win against such a top player,” Kerber said.

“She won two titles this year already. It’s nice and gives me for sure a lot of confidence for the next matches.”

Kerber added: ” I came here a little bit earlier to practice on-site. I’ve won two matches already and it feels good. 

“It’s always not easy to come back after such a long break. But I played good tennis today, and that shows me that I can play with the top players again.”