Angelique Kerber said she aims to someday supplant her friend, shot-making ninja Agnieszka Radwanska, as the winner of the WTA's Shot of the Month.
Mission accomplished.
Watch: Wozniacki Rolls By Bellis Into Dubai Semifinals
Watch ambidextrous Angie pull off the shot of the Dubai tournament as the resourceful left-hander switched her Yonnex racquet to her right hand for this snazzy stab volley.
Two impressive aspects of this sequence: Kerber showed her speed scrambling up to a net-cord shot then unleashed the creativity with a point so impressive even opponent Ana Konjuh was smiling despite missing the final lob.
Continuing her quest to regain the world No. 1 ranking, the top-seeded Kerber conquered Konjuh, 6-3, 6-2, to reach her first semifinal of the season.
It is Kerber's first final four appearance in six trips to Dubai.She can surpass top-ranked Serena Williams and reclaim No. 1 by winning the Dubai title.
"I mean it's always tough to play against her—she’s a really a tough opponent," Kerber told Annabel Croft afterward. "She’s going for it and the shots are really hard. So I was moving good bringing a lot of balls back and being aggressive.
"I’m feeling good and I’m really looking forward to playing my first semis here in Dubai. I will try to enjoy the match tomorrow."
The reigning US Open champion will play Elina Svitolina for a spot in Saturday's final.
The seventh-seeded Svitolina broke serve six times sweeping American Lauren Davis, 6-0, 6-4.
The 29-year-old German has won five of their nine meetings, but Svitolina has won their last two encounters, including a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory in the Brisbane quarterfinals last month.
"Tomorrow is another tough match against Elina who will be (playing) long rallies," Kerber said. "I think I will try to go for it and try to focus on my game and try to enjoy it on the center court in front of a lot of fans."
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships