Kerber and Halep Race for Number 1 Ranking
Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep both had some rough starts during their first round match at Aegon International in Eastbourne. Both were down one set, and had to dig deep and fight hard to get through their opening match, and make their way into the round of 16.
With more than just the title on the line, both players are really grinding to find their best tennis as they fight for the number one ranking. As of now Kerber is world number 1, while Halep is world number 2. With Halep’s first round win she is on her way to taking the number 1 spot away from Kerber. If Halep manages to reach the semifinals or better, she will have clinched the number one spot. If Kerber manages to reach the quarters or the semis, then Halep will have to reach the final. If Kerber manages to reach the final, then Halep will have to beat Kerber in the final to become number 1.
Halep will have to play some of her best tennis, consistently throughout the tournament if she is serious about reaching the top. In her first round match Halep played Duan Ying-ying, only managing to complete two games on Tuesday because of rain. On Wednesday they resumed play and Halep won 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. While the Chinese played aggressively, Halep grinded and hit in the open court, producing 32 winners and 20 unforced errors for victory in 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Kerber had a bit more of a tough time than Halep in her opening round match, getting extremely close to defeat in the third set. So close in fact that she was two points away from losing the match in the third set against Krystina Pliskova. However, Kerber managed to win the last three games in a row, enabling her to win the match 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.
In the first set, Kerber was thoroughly dominated by Pliskova, but in the second set, Pliskova’s level dropped severely and Kerber took advantage of this moment of weakness. By the end of the a match Pliskova had 37 winners and 26 unforced errors, while in the first set she had 18 winners and only 9 unforced errors. The drop in level was quite obvious. Pliskova also had 11 aces, her serve being one of her most trusted weapons.
In contrast, Kerber managed to maintain a high level throughout the duration of the 94 minute match, finishing the match with 39 winners and 18 unforced errors, as well as being consistent enough to put the pressure on her opponent’s service game, which gave her the opportunity to break her opponent’s serve four times.
“It feels good, always the first rounds are tough. I think it was a good match from both of us. She was serving very well and I was focusing on my return. At the end of the match I was focusing point by point and go for it if I had the chance, and I’m happy I’m through,” said Kerber.
With the number 1 women’s ranking up for grabs between Kerber and Halep, we can expect some great play from them. Although Kerber is currently number 1, there is a strong chance that Halep may take over.