The German second seed produced a 7-5, 6-0 victory over 2015 finalist Roberta Vinci to reach the last four on Tuesday, but is not allowing herself to think beyond her next match, which will be against Caroline Wozniacki or Anastasija Sevastova.
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I always believe in myself, no matter what my ranking, said Wozniacki, who used to be No. 1.
“I’m enjoying it much more now than I was then”.
Kerber will find that Wozniacki, whose ranking has plunged to No. 74 in part because of an ankle injury that forced her to miss three months this year (including the French Open), will not be an easy out.
The world number 51 has been reportedly considering retirement over recent weeks but she has dismissed that suggestion, and is instead fully focused on the task at hand in NY.
“I don’t want to really talk about it now, ” Wozniacki told reporters about the retirement rumors.
Caroline Wozniacki has only just started back on what looks like a career revival when she is having to answer questions about when she might retire. She had earlier beaten Venus Williams in a thrilling three-setter in the fourth round.
Kerber would have overtaken Williams for the top spot had she defeated Pliskova in the Cincinnati final August 21.
Pliskova is 24, 10 years younger than Serena and 12 years younger than Venus, and remembers watching them play on TV as she grew up.
The Serbian world No. 1 next faces another Frenchman, Gael Monfils, for a place in Sunday’s final after the 10th seed pummeled compatriot Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. “It’s a tournament that I love”. She’s a tough opponent with her slice. Bet Kerber win with a handicap – 2.5 for the game.
After Tsonga opened the third set with a double fault he called a halt.
Sevastova was hampered by a right ankle injury, which she suffered after falling awkwardly in the second game of the match, leaving her short of answers to an on-form Wozniacki.
“Obviously, she’s had a great year”, the Dane said.
“Seeing it on TV is one thing, but I was feeling how deep she’s hitting the ball and feeling like I can’t get on the offense right away”, Keys said after their match. Now, I go out there knowing how to win big matches.
“It’s incredible to be in the final and to be the world number one, it’s a great day”, said Kerber, who will return to Hong Kong in October to participate in the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open.
This was followed by a run to the final at Wimbledon, where she was stopped by the person whom she beat for the Australian Open crown, Serena Williams. I don’t know. I have to watch tapes. Her profile has reached the point where she would have no shortage of options, should she decide that the tour is no longer her priority.
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Pliskova lost only one point on serve in the opening set as she swept past the reeling Croatian in 28 minutes. “I have the Asian swing to look forward to, so that’s really what I’m thinking about next”.
