Kerber thrilled to be back on grass

Angelique Kerber has put her claycourt season in the rear-view mirror and is targeting a better showing on a surface that gels more comfortably with her game and style.

The German, who remains atop the world rankings despite a lukewarm season, fell in an ignominious first-round loss at Roland Garros after bowing at in her opening match in Rome.

Yet Kerber has rebounded somewhat since stepping foot on the grass, advancing to the quarterfinals at Eastbourne in a timely confidence boost ahead of Wimbledon, where she reached the final 12 months ago.

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“Of course I’m feeling much better playing on grass court. I mean, I cannot compare this (to clay),” she said on Saturday.

“I worked very hard the last few weeks after Paris. So I’m really happy to being here, playing again on grass court.

“Actually I’m not thinking about Paris, about the claycourt season any more.”

Kerber’s route to the last eight in Eastbourne marked the first time since Madrid – more than a month ago – where she’d won consecutive matches.

“I think this is very important for me, especially to see how I’m feeling during the match, after Birmingham (where I was injured),” she said.

“Also get few matches before coming here. I think this can help me a lot to playing well here. So I think it was a good decision to play Eastbourne last week.

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“It’s great to be back. When I walk yesterday here, a lot of great memories came through my mind. So it’s nice, of course, to be back, especially on grass, and here in Wimbledon.

“I’m feeling good. I had good matches last week. I’m healthy so far. So this is very important for me.”

Kerber opens her 2017 campaign against qualifier Irina Falconi first up on Centre Court on Tuesday.