Angelique Kerber Sportpresseball Legend of Sport award, Digi Mart USA News (Frankfurt am Main, Germany): Angelique Kerber has been honored as a “Legend of Sport” at the 44th Sportpresseball in Frankfurt am Main. Steffi Graf sent a video message to mark the award, and Kerber received the prize from her longtime friend and tennis rival Ana Ivanovic.
In her message, Graf praised Kerber’s career with the words, “It was inspiring to watch how you achieved success with your fighter’s heart, your dedication and your calm. Congratulations.
The way you walked your path was admirable.” Graf also wished Kerber “much success and many beautiful moments with your family and friends” for the next chapter of her life.
Kerber said she was visibly moved. “Receiving this honor is something very special and means a lot to me,” she said.
Kerber ended her career in 2024, during which she won three Grand Slam titles and spent 34 weeks at the top of the world rankings. “I sacrificed a lot of years for my career.
When I look back, I am happy and proud,” Kerber said.
The award places Kerber alongside previous honorees including Michael Schumacher, Franz Beckenbauer, Lothar Matthäus, Rudi Völler, Boris Becker, Isabell Werth, Magdalena Neuner, Maria Höfl-Riesch, Katarina Witt and Heiner Brand.
Earlier at the event, former German national football player Per Mertesacker was recognized as a “Sportsman with a Heart” for his social commitment. The 42-year-old works through his foundation to support socially disadvantaged children, giving them access to education, integration and personal development.
“We saw 20 years ago that integration was becoming a topic in our society. Since then we have achieved a lot,” Mertesacker said.
He said he looked forward to using football to “raise a lot of money and support projects.”
ARD reporter Esther Sedlaczek received the “Deutscher Sportmedienpreis.”
