Angelique Kerber can clinch the world No. 1 ranking if she wins the Cincinnati title today.

World No. 4 Simona Halep, who lost to Kerber in the Cincinnati semifinals, says the second-ranked German deserves the top spot though she concedes the prospect of Serena Williams falling from No. 1 is "very strange."

More: Kerber One Step From No. 1

"Since I started to play pro (Serena's been) No. 1," Halep said. "(It would feel) very strange for me, but I think Kerber deserves because she won a Grand Slam and she's winning many matches. So we will see."

The former French Open finalist said if Kerber can rise to No. 1 it will create more self-belief among other players.

"Yeah, of course. It's a good thing for us that we are thinking, we have dreams to get there and win Grand Slams," Halep said. "I think she deserves to be there because she's working hard.  Like I said many times, she's a good player. So we will see. But she has a good chance."

Williams has won seven of eight meetings with Halep, including a straight-sets win in the 2015 Cincinnati final.

Regardless of Williams' ranking, Halep says the 22-time Grand Slam champion remains the top teacher in the sport and the only other active player she learns from.

"The only one player I learn (from) I can say is Serena always," Halep said. "(I learn) motivation, fighting, and aggression."

Photo credit: Christopher Levy