Kerber back in German Billie Jean King Cup team for Brazil tie

Former world number one Angelique Kerber returns into the German team for a Billie Jean King Cup first round tie in Brazil next month.

Captain Rainer Schüttler on Friday nominated Kerber, Tatjana Maria, Laura Siegemund and Anna-Lena Friedsam for the April 12 and 13 tie in Sao Paulo. A fifth player is to be picked at a later stage.

Triple grand slam winner Kerber gave birth to a daughter in February 2023 and returned to action in January as part of the German team that won the United Cup. She reached the fourth round in Indian Wells over the past days.

"Angie's return is a big strengthening for our team. She showed with the team win at the United Cup and her recent results in Indian Wells what top performances she is still capable of," Schüttler said.

Kerber last played for Germany in 2022 before going on maternity leave after that year's Wimbledon.

Germany won the last meeting with Brazil 3-1 in 2023. The winner qualifies for the November finals in Seville, Spain.