We played a lot of times. “For me, it’s just unbelievable to be after Steffi the next No.1 player in Germany”, said Kerber, who at 28 will become the oldest player to reach No.1.
Advertisement
“It was not so easy to go then on court [after Serena’s loss], because I knew it actually before that if Serena lost, of course, that I will be the No. 1, ” Kerber said. So I think I wasn’t at 100%, but I also think she played well. “It’s something really special”.
While Pliskova, a 24-year-old from the Czech Republic, advances to her maiden major final, Williams is stopped short of winning a record 23rd Grand Slam.
“I was prepared for anything”, Pliskova said.
The keys will be a sharp serve and an aggressive attack, unlike in Cincinnati where she was “just pushing the balls”. I have to see her when Serena is able to challenge her and I’ll tell you how good she is. “And, yeah, she’s playing really well”, said Wozniacki, who spent 67 weeks atop the WTA, finishing 2010 and 2011 at No. 1. She definitely has a target on her back now. To be No 1 in the world, it sounds incredible.
Pliskova will become the fourth different female grand slam victor this year if she can stun Kerber and the 24-year-old said she is not finished yet after denying Williams a 23rd major title. I’m not going to sit here and make an excuse, because that’s not me.
“I don’t care”, Pliskova said.
“I’m a professional player”.
The match offers an intriguing contrast in styles.
Moments before walking on the court, Kerber’s ascension to the top of the world rankings had been confirmed after Serena Williams suffered a shock defeat by Karolina Pliskova.
“Honestly, I don’t know”, Williams said.
The 5-foot-8 Kerber, meanwhile, is terrific at retrieving and counter-punching, dropping down to a knee at times along the baseline to get balls back. “You saw even when she was down a break she’s still fighting so it’s very hard”.
Pliskova will take on Angelique Kerber in Saturday’s final.
Both players excel at outlasting their opponents in long rallies, but against Kerber Wozniacki committed too many unforced errors to keep up.
Advertisement
Williams, who practices every day, and noted that she had no problem with daily tournament play, adamently stated that the two matches within two days had nothing to do with her loss. “Go for it, being aggressive”.
