Kerber, defending Graf’s record, gets text

Angelique Kerber said on Thursday she feels a responsibility to protect her fellow German Steffi Graf’s Grand Slam record from Serena Williams, but admits the job in front of her is formidable.

The 28-year-old powered into her first Grand Slam final, and revealed she received a text from her veteran compatriot after the match. Seventh seed Kerber this week credited 22-time major winner Graf with giving her the self-belief to put together her career-best season after hitting with the former great early last year.

Asked by a courtside interviewer if she would be seeking Graf’s advice ahead of her showdown with the American world number one, she laughed: “Steffi, write me please!”

Graf must have been watching as Kerber revealed a text landed for her soon after, without revealing what it said.

“I think she sent me a text message, but I don’t know what she wrote me yet. I think she heard what I said on the centre court,” Kerber said. Kerber is going to need all the help and advice she can get against the imposing Williams who is in her 26th Grand Slam final after sweeping aside fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska with ease.

Asked if she felt any duty to protect Graf’s record as a fellow German, Kerber said, while smiling: “I think so. The Germans must be together.”