Reigning Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber faced little resistance in Madison Keys, dispatching the American 6-3 6-2 for a place in the semifinals of the Miami Open.
The second-seeded Kerber started the match with a strong hold of serve, but her next service game was broken by Keys. However, the German broke back right away to level to 2-2 and never looked back in the encounter that lasted one hour and eight minutes. From 3-all, the 22nd-seeded Keys lost seven straight games and Kerber enjoyed a dominant lead of 6-3 4-0, which soon actualized in the victory.
Keys finished the match with 19 winners to 39 unforced errors, while Kerber hit just five winners (all came in the first set!) and 11 unforced errors.
In yesterday’s quarterfinals, the first semifinal pair featuring Timea Bacsinszky and Svetlana Kuznetsova was set up, while Kerber’s opponent in the final four will be Victoria Azarenka, who is on course for back-to-back titles after beating Serena Williams in the Indian Wells final and ending the Miami run of British Johanna Konta 6-4 6-2 earlier on Wednesday. (photos: Jimmie48)
Stay humble, genuine, fit, and as powerful as you presently are, Angie Kerber. You’re looking good on the court and your superb tennis skills can only get better. Congrats on your win over Maddy Keys! SMART TENNS=ANGELIQUE KERBER! Now, come on, Serena! Take note of Kuzzie and Kerber’s weight loss and fitness. You’ve got to lose some weight ASAP; please get fit and toned for life. Power is just not enough, as you well can see. You once had the entire package, so please hurry and get it back. Although you’re still #1, age is obviously catching up to your precious body. Get smart, stay smart and play wise tennis. Don’t lose your reputation as the GOAT, because that’s what and who you are. You’ve earned that title and reputation, so maintain it. Looking forward to your 2016 comeback and your upcoming match in Charleston. “Go, Serena, go!”
Kerber is a real pleasure to watch playing smart tennis, and seems to be a pleasant person as well. Hopefully she’ll stay in the top for a long time! I am convinced that Serena will be back, but challengers with this sort of star quality are welcome.