Angelique Kerber is only focused on playing ‘in the moment’ as she reaches the US Open fourth round.
The 2016 champion cruised into the US Open second week after a 6-3 6-4 win over Ann Li.
A total of four breaks were enough to seal victory with an 85% first service percentage to go with it in a dominant performance over the American.
En route to the last 16, Kerber has not dropped a set and looks to be one of the favourites for the title.
However the 31 year-old is dismissing these claims as she is concentrated on playing in the moment, “I think it’s still a long way,” Kerber admitted in her press conference.
“I mean, of course I know the way. I have been there already. But now we have a new tournament. Every tournament starts from zero, and it’s still a big challenge to go on top there.
“It’s important, you know, to play the best tennis, especially in the important moments and in important matches. It’s impossible actually to play two weeks your best tennis.
“So you have to, yeah, find a way to give everything every single day. It is completely new tournament. You know, new situation for everyone. I think it’s more being now in the moment.”
Kerber, who is reunited with previous coach Torben Beltz, has reached the second week of a grand slam for the 20th time in her career.
It’s also the first time in New York that she is in the second week since her title triumph in 2016.
On Sunday she will face in-form Jennifer Brady and Kerber admits improvements need to be made, “You know, I think I will expect a tough challenge again,” Kerber spoke about her next match against Brady.
“I try to play like I played the last matches. Of course I know that I have to improve a little bit in few things, but, you know, it’s a next match. It will be not easier. I will just try my best. Yeah, going out there and give everything that I have.”
Brady set up the Sunday showdown with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Caroline Garcia. The meeting will be the first between the duo, with a quarter-final place at stake.
