Text message from Steffi Graf inspired US Open winner, insists new world No1 Angelique Kerber
World No1 Angelique Kerber has revealed a good luck message from compatriot Steffi Graf fuelled her US Open final victory over Karolina Pliskova late on Saturday night.
Kerber claimed the second grand slam of her career with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over Pliskova of the Czech Republic; a triumph which will propel her to the top of the world rankings today, usurping Serena Williams.
The 28-year-old became the first German to be crowned US Open champion since the 1996 success of Graf, who Kerber insists has proven a sizeable inspiration to the Bremen-born player.
“I heard from her yesterday or like two days ago,” said Kerber. “She was wishing me luck for the final.
“I used to watch a lot of her matches and I remember that all the matches were very fast. This is what I remember. She was always my idol and I told her that so many times. She’s a great champion as well.”
Britain’s Jamie Murray aimed a playful taunt at younger brother Andy after victory in the men’s doubles final alongside partner Bruno Soares handed him his second grand slam title of the year. Andy has one, although also won Olympic gold.
Murray and Soares defeated Spanish rivals Pablo Carreno Busta and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-2, 6-3.
“I’m starting to move out of the shadows a little bit,” said Jamie. “There’s a long way to go. Andy’s had a great year – he did three grand slam finals, winning Wimbledon was huge and Olympic gold.
“He couldn’t win this but I did so, yeah, get it up you, Andy!”