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By Chris Oddo | Friday August 19, 2016

 
Kerber

Angelique Kerber is two matches from supplanting Serena Williams atop the WTA rankings after defeating Carla Suarez Navarro in three sets on Friday in Cincinnati.

Photo Source: Getty Images

Angelique Kerber’s quest for No. 1 continues in full force in Cincinnati.

Scores and Social: Cincinnati Live Blog, Quarterfinals

The German overcame a lethargic start, rallying from a set and break down to defeat ninth-seeded Carla Suárez Navarro, 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.

“It was not so easy because it’s always tough to play against Carla,” said Kerber, who says she struggled a bit in the hot, muggy afternoon heat. “I was trying to go for it when I had the chance and making the rallies a little bit shorter.”

Kerber tossed in a clunker of a first set that included four double-faults and 17 unforced errors. But Suarez Navarro let her off the hook in the second set, converting only one of her seven break opportunities, and Kerber took the reins from there to wrestle control of the momentum.

She finished with 32 winners against 39 unforced errors. Kerber saved 16 of 19 break points to improve to 5-3 against Suarez Navarro.

The German has put together a fantastic season and is now just two matches away from ending Serena Williams’ 183-week run atop the WTA’s rankings. Steffi Graf holds the all-time record for consecutive weeks as the WTA’s No. 1 with 186, but Kerber has created a golden opportunity to protect her compatriot’s legacy.

She’s been asked about the rankings milestone numerous times this week, and always points to the process, rather than the goal.

“It’s really an incredible year for me,” said Kerber. “Everybody’s talking about the No. 1 but for me it’s still a few matches away from that and I’m still trying to not think about this. I’m going out here on court trying to enjoy my tennis, and enjoy every moment right now because I’m playing my best tennis and it’s the best time of my career right now.”


Kerber improves 46-13 on the season and will next face either Simona Halep or Agnieszka Radwanska.

 

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