By Erik Gudris | Saturday, July 8, 2017
“Survive and Advance” must the mantra these days for World No. 1 Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon. Last year’s finalist battled through a three set win to reach the second week. At stake -- not only the title but her top WTA ranking.
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American Shelby Rogers tested the German star out on Court No. 2. Kerber ultimately won the third round encounter 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 to reach the second week.
Kerber must at least reach the final to maintain her top ranking. Otherwise Karolina Pliskova or Simona Halep will rise to the top spot depending on results.
Rogers came out firiring early against a sluggish looking Kerber. The American went up an early break and then employed strong serving to close out the set 6-4.
With Rogers again dictating early in the second set, things looked bleaked for Kerber. That was especially true when Rogers broke Kerber again and jumped out to a 4-2 lead.
But Rogers, who was six points from the upset victory, couldn’t quite put Kerber away.
Kerber, trailiing 3-4, 30-all, won a great point from all sides of the court before chasing down a drop shot to hit a winner. Kerber went on to break for 4-all and that seemed to energize her game.
Despite shaky serving from Kerber, she managed to eventually force a tiebreak. It was there that Kerber finally found her forehand, hitting multiple winners from that wing. Kerber ran away with the tiebreak 7-6(2) to force a deciding set.
Nothing was certain though in the final set as both women traded early service breaks. Rogers, who found much success up at net winning 23 of 35 points there, resumed her strong serving from the first set. Rogers managed to get back on level terms and back on serve for 3-2.
Yet it was Kerber’s experience, and her clever use of drop shots, that finally saw her through.
Kerber broke for 4-3 when Rogers sent a backhand long when down BP. Rogers managed to force Kerber to serve for the match while up 5-4. But Kerber kept her cool and finally closed out the comeback 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 win.
Next up for Kerber in the fourth round is No. 14 seed Garbine Muguruza.