Kerber’s march to the top continues in Cincinnati

Reuters: Angelique Kerber moved a step closer to turning a dream goal into reality with a hard-fought win over Barbora Strycova to reach the quarter-finals of the Western & Southern Open in a hot and humid Cincinnati on Thursday.

The Australian Open champion’s 7-6(5) 6-4 victory over the Czech put the German world number two just three wins away from leapfrogging Serena Williams, absent from this event, at the top of the WTA rankings for a first time.

“It’s the goal one day to be number one, but if it happens and when it happens, whatever,” the 28-year-old told ESPN, adding that everyone was reminding her how close she was to topping the rankings as she tried to block out the thought.

“I would not be putting this pressure on myself here. I’m just trying to play my best tennis.”

Kerber, enjoying her best season, including a Wimbledon final appearance and silver medal in the women’s singles at the Rio Olympics, claims here improved serve and on-court attitude have been key to her rise.

“Mentally, I’m more quiet,” she said. “I think I can put the emotion right now in the right place and that helps me to play really good.

“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, but I’m having the best year of my career and it’s still not over,” the left-hander said. “It’s amazing what’s happened in the last few months... it’s just incredible!”

Kerber was her usual tireless self against Strycova, scurrying to extend rallies and wearing down her rival.