Germany’s Angelique Kerber is refusing to get carried away with her rise back to the top of the world rankings following a lackluster start to the year.
The two-time grand slam champion reclaimed the world No.1 position following Serena Williams’ withdrawal from Indian Wells and Miami due to injury. Kerber’s rise comes after what has been a difficult start to the year. Out of six tournaments, the 29-year-old has only managed to reach the semifinals at one (Dubai). Her latest disappointment occurred at BNP Paribas Open when she lost to Elena Vesnina in the third round. Vesnina went on to win the title.
“I was not playing my best tennis against her.” She admitted during an interview with the WTA. “I think that I can still improve my tennis and try to show it here (in Miami).”
Eager to get her game back on track, Kerber is remaining in a positive mood for the start of the Miami Open. Headlining the women’s draw, the German is refusing to succumb to the pressure of living up to her world No.1 ranking.
“I am number one again but this is not what is really important for me. What is important is that I go out and play good matches, that is why I am here,” Kerber told reporters on Tuesday according to Sport 24.
“I think I have got used already to pressure. This is not a problem at all. Of course it is a new challenge, a completely new year for me, so I think it’s not so easy but in the end, it is just the beginning of the year, I am feeling good and practising good and I still think I can have a good year,” she said.
Kerber, who received a first round bye, will start her Miami campaign against world No.66 Ying-Ying Duan. Duan defeated Laura Siegemund in her opening match. Later in the draw, the world No.1 could face a daunting third round clash against Russian 31st seed Daria Kasatkina. Kerber has already lost to Kasatkina twice this year.
Despite being the highest ranked woman on the tour, Kerber is yet to defeat a top-20 player this season. She has already lost twice to Elina Svitolina (No.10) and once to Vesnina (No.13). According to the rankings, her biggest win was over world No.36 Ana Konjuh at the Dubai Tennis Championships last month.
Kerber’s 2017 season so far
Brisbane – Quarter-finalist (lost to Elina Svitolina)
Sydney – Round 2 (lost to Daria Kasatkina)
Australian Open – Round 4 (lost to Coco Vandeweghe)
Doha – Round 2 (lost to Daria Kasatkina)
Dubai Open – semifinalist (lost to Elina Svitolina)
BNP Paribas Open/Indian Wells – Round 3 (lost to Elena Vesnina)
