Former world No 1 Angelique Kerber has been named as the tournament director of the WTA 500 event in Bad Homburg, to be held from June 22^nd – June 28^th.

The three-time Grand Slam champion retired from professional tennis after losing to Zheng Qinwen at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but will return to the sport – albeit in a different form.

“Angelique Kerber will be the new sports director of the Bad Homburg Open,” stated the tournament, via a statement on X.

“As a former number 1 and grass specialist, she knows what the players need for perfect Wimbledon preparation. With her experience and passion, she will develop the tournament further.”

Current director Aljoscha Thron will remain in her role, with the two forming a dual-leadership.

“The tournament was a project of the heart for me from the outset. I know what the players need. Some work will be awaiting me,” stated Kerber, who returned to professional tennis in 2024 following a lengthy maternity leave.

The tournament is a prime spot for players to fine-tune their game, before the third Grand Slam of the year.

At last year’s edition, Diana Shnaider defeated Donna Vekic 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 in the final to lift her second tour-level title.

The announcement of Kerber’s position came on the same day as Iga Swiatek’s participation in the event was officially unveiled.

Swiatek has never made the semi-finals at Wimbledon, something which she has done at all of the other three Grand Slams.

Bad Homburg Open stated: “The next chapter for @iga_swiatek at the Bad Homburg Open powered by Solarwatt! The world No. 2 is back in Bad Homburg and excited to see you there, ready to show what she’s got!”

Latest WTA News

Jessica Pegula’s verdict on controversial WTA rule that saw Madison Keys barred from Austin

Wimbledon champion reveals ‘never free of pain’ fear and hints at skipping tournaments

Kerber announced that she was pregnant with her first child ahead of the 2022 US Open, before taking maternity leave from the tour during the 2023 season. The German returned to the sport in 2024, but struggled to find consistency.

Prior to her retirement, Kerber spoke about how the maternity leave affected her tennis level: “Patience isn’t really one of my strengths. But I knew that it would take a bit of time before I started playing well and getting back to my former level.

“I still love tennis, but I’m first and foremost a mother with my whole heart, and it’s a joy. There’s now a little person in my life that’s more important than tennis. It makes it easier to be patient.

“I’m so grateful that she [Liana] copes so well with the flights, time changes and the climate. She just gets on with it all.

“As a mother on tour, you have to be very flexible and spontaneous as you can’t plan everything weeks in advance.”

In February 2025, the former world No 1 took to Instagram to announce that she was expecting a second child: “Counting down the days for someone special to arrive in our family.”