Angelique Kerber’s return to tennis is one of the storylines of the Australian summer of tennis.

The three-time Grand Slam champion’s comeback will be one of several for high-profile mothers at the Australian Open.

But before that, fans will enjoy the chance to see Kerber compete for Team Germany at United Cup 2024 – the first step in her re-entry to professional tennis.

The 35-year-old, who gave birth to daughter Liana in February, will join forces with Alexander Zverev, re-establishing a successful German partnership.

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The pair represented Germany at the Hopman Cup in 2018 and 2019 and reached the final both times. The 2019 final against Switzerland came down to the most memorable of mixed doubles clashes.

Having not played for 18 months, Kerber is cautious when predicting how she might fare. In an interview with the WTA Bad Homburg tournament website, she described her season opener as a “cold start”.

But the prospect of a return to Australia – Team Germany will head to Sydney, opening against Italy on 30 December – has her spirits high.

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“I can already feel the anticipation of being back on the court in Australia,” she said.

“I know that coming back will probably be the biggest challenge of my career, but that spurs me on. Even though it will be a long road and I will need patience, which is not one of my strengths (laughter).

“I’ve already started preparing for the new season, and this time it’s completely different. Also, because it’s taking three times as long as usual.

“The love for tennis is something that has always motivated me and still does. That’s also the reason why I want to come back – to have that feeling on the court again, with all the emotions and the fans in the stadium.”

In a translated interview with Bild in December, Kerber said she and Zverev were a good team who had already combined successfully.

Making her return even more seamless is the fact Team Germany will be captained by Kerber’s coach, Torben Beltz.

Kerber also revealed she and Zverev would discuss the prospect of the Paris 2024 Olympics, another opportunity to represent their country in mixed doubles.

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Zverev told ATP Tennis Radio that he and Kerber wanted to compete together again when the opportunity presented itself at United Cup 2024.

"Obviously it's exciting to see her back,” said Zverev, who jumped from world No.27 to No.7 in a resurgent season after severely injuring his ankle at Roland Garros in 2022.

"We have a great relationship, since I think the Hopman Cup. She's more my brother's age, so I know her from there, but she had a fantastic career obviously, she's coming back, she's giving it another go after becoming a mother.

"Team competitions in general are quite fun, especially if you're playing for your own country. I think we both enjoy doing that.

“I'm excited for generally what the beginning of the season is; I think Australia in general, to start off with a Grand Slam straight away is quite fascinating in our sport.

“Hopefully it's going to be just a great trip for both of us.”

While Zverev and Kerber headline their team, the German squad also features several other talents including 2021 Wimbledon semifinalist Tatjana Maria, doubles star Laura Siegemund, and former world No.45 Maximilian Marterer.