Sloane Stephens into semi-finals after beating Angelique Kerber

Sloane Stephens increasingly looks the player to beat at the WTA Finals after the 2017 US Open champion maintained her dominance over world No 2 Angelique Kerber to win 6-3, 6-3 and advance to the semi-finals.

Stephens holds a 5-1 record over the German, who hasn’t beaten the American since 2012 and rarely in Singapore did she look likely to reverse the trend losing in an hour and 40 minutes.

Following the injury retirement of Naomi Osaka in the opening game of the final round robin matches in the Red Group, both players were in a position to reach the last four with victory.

Stephens had to save break points in each of her first two service games before breaking Kerber twice to surge into a 5-2 lead, although the 25-year-old then missed an easy forehand on her first set point.

That error threatened to prove costly when Kerber broke serve to keep the set alive, but the left-hander promptly lost her own serve for a third time to gift Stephens the set.t

The second set then threatened to get away from the German as Stephens was in position to go 4-1 with a second break but she wasted the opportunity allowing Kerber to draw level at 3-3.

However, her resistance could only last so long as an accumulation of unforced errors and poor first serves prevented any kind of pressure being put on Stephens whose defence was relentless and her groundstrokes ruthless.

Two more breaks of serve then helped Stephens secure her third victory of the week and set up a semi-final with big-serving Czech Karolina Pliskova.

The other last four ties will be contested between unbeaten Elina Svitolina and Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands who earned a straight-sets ‘win’ over Osaka following her injury.

Osaka took to the court with tape on the back of her leg for a problem that flared up in her defeat to Kerber on Wednesday and was competitive for half a set before opting to withdraw after Bertens took the opener 6-3.

The US Open champion said: “I was told I shouldn’t really do much. I should just rest for a few weeks. So I think that’s what I’m going to do,” she said of the injury.

“I’m looking forward to going back home (to Florida). I haven’t been home since the U.S. Open. So definitely looking forward to going back.”

Here was the winning point…

Stephens speaks … briefly … on beating Kerber and facing Pliskova

She’s a really tricky player because there are a lot of angles and spins. I was up 30-0 in a lot of games and it was tough not being able to take all those break points.

She’s (Pliskova) got a big serve so I’ll have to find a way to neutralise that. Just play my game, really.

Stephens is also enjoying the shopping and tea in Singapore.

Before we hear from the players, here is your semi-final lineup…

Sloane Stephens (USA) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)

Elina Svitolina (UKR) vs. Kiki Bertens (NED)

Stephens has been guilty in this second set of letting Kerber off the hook too often but there was no sign of that in the defining game. Just a solid set of groundstrokes, forcing errors and it all looked far too easy, serving to love. All over in an hour and 40 minutes.

Second set: Kerber* 3-5, 3-6 Stephens (*denotes server)

That was hard work for Kerber. She was in early trouble with a double fault and then a forehand into the net. There wasn’t much let-up after as a lazy looking baseline shot drifted just out for three break points. Stephens finds the net with the first, Kerber holds the second advancing to flick a winner into the corner and on the third, the American cuts the ball downwards into the net. After doing the hard work, though, she can’t see the game out; an under-hit drop shot, more first serves missing the target, a groundstroke into the net, all culminating in a fourth break point which she claims as Kerber blasts a forehand into the net. Stephens serving for the match.

Second set: Kerber 3-4, 3-6 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Emphasis on Stephens to regain control of a match she was cruising through and this game indicates she can do just that. Sending Kerber from right to left, and back again, there were some notable winners. The pressure is now back on the German who simply has to hold her next service game.

Second set: Kerber* 3-3, 3-6 Stephens (*denotes server)

Just when the pressure needed to be applied, Kerber fails to get in her first three serves and Stephens is able to feel her way back into control taking a 0-30 lead, without much effort. The next point required it, however, with Kerber digging in to win a 19-shot rally as Stephens finds the net. Parity is restored after Stephens overhit drop shot offers a gimme on a favourable bounce for Kerber to crash home. She then wins the next two points to level the set.

Second set: Kerber 2-3, 3-6 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Kerber breaks! Stephens was turning the vice and Kerber didn’t look so much look pained, just exasperated as she didn’t seem to have the answers … but the American can be her own worst enemy sometimes and despite looking in control gaves the German two break points, with the No 1 seed converting the second and greeting it with a sizeable cry of, “come on!”

Second set: Kerber* 1-3, 3-6 Stephens (*denotes server)

Newsflash: Sloane Stephens hits a tennis ball very hard. So much so, Kerber, somewhat playfully, swipes at clean air as she attempts to reach one groundstroke. The German holds serve at 30-40 and then an overhead smash (which threatened to go out) gives her advantage but, oh Angie, a double fault lets Stephens back in. A strangely misdirected backhand, under little pressure, gives the American another break point but, my oh my, that is then leathered waaaaay into the backcourt on the full. Kerber’s unforced error gives Stephens a third bite at the apple … but, no, she’s long again. Stephens wastes a fourth break point, inexplicably finding the bet with her backhand. She gets a fifth but Kerber stings a forehand a winner. A sixth is saved on the backhand. But on the seventh, Kerber clips a drop shot into the net. 10 minutes of error-ridden and scrappy tennis … Kerber is struggling now.

Second set: Kerber 1-2, 3-6 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Stephens’ movement is a little conservative (and that’s being kind) and the German maintains her energy on the baseline to take an early advantage at 30-15. However, Kerber can’t keep the pressure on and a net cord gets Stephens back into the game. At deuce, Stephens fluffs one drop shot but on the second attempt gets her angles just right and then the German goes long with a looping forehand. Kerber was right in that game but Stephens’ defence remains relentless.

Second set: Kerber* 1-1, 3-6 Stephens (*denotes server)

Some brighter signs for Kerber who delivered a nice forehand winner on the move but Stephens, for the most part was in control, emphasised at how easily she seems to be getting to the ball and then finding areas beyond her opponent’s reach. Kerber’s scream in celebration after another big winner down the line for 40-30 prove a little premature as the game goes to deuce and that first serve lets her down again … as does her drop shot. However, Stephens lets her back in and then Kerber’s wonderful inside out, sliced backhand spins all over the place for a smart hold.

Second set: Kerber 0-1, 3-6 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Kerber is getting annoyed out there, whacking her racquet against her trainers as Stephens is comfortable in the opening game. Everything Kerber is doing right now seems to be reactive, as opposed to earlier in the match when she was trying to force the issues. Stephens leads the winners 17-7.

“Keep her moving and let your forehand dictate play” is the overall message from Stephens’ coach Sylvester Black.

Kerber’s resolve didn’t last long and her first serve HAS to improve as she’s just under 55%, which against such a power-hitter like Stephens is always putting you on the back foot. Kerber is working hard but is making mistakes and not taking enough opportunities. Stephens calls for her coach immediately after sealing the set.

First set: Kerber 3-5 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Kerber breaks back! Stephens gets a huge slice of luck with a net cord which spoons up and then spins over for 30-15. An ace then creates two set points. She’s long on the first one, Kerber busy in her returns. The second one then also sneaks out, just as her backhand looked to be crawling inside the line. Kerber just cannot catch a break and moves into the net to force the issue but a passing volley creates a third set point but, my word, that is an open goal … a door marked, “here’s the set, put this away” instead her forehand with the whole court to aim at is wide. Kerber is then able to fashion a break point (her eighth) and takes it when she needed it the most.

First set: Kerber* 2-5 Stephens (*denotes server)

Stephens breaks! Ouch … Kerber was never in that game with some loose and uncontrolled groundstrokes and quickly gave Stephens three break points. She only needed one, pouncing on a drop shot to flick a winner to the German’s right. Stephens already serving for the set but it hasn’t looked as comfortable as the score suggests.

First set: Kerber 2-4 Stephens* (*denotes server)

Good opening recovery from Kerber, really finding the angles on her forehand to keep Stephens moving and winning the first point. A series of errors then takes the game to deuce where Kerber claims another break as Stephens is long with a deep backhand. But after a devilishly good first serve, she then drills a backhand right on the line to save it. However, another long backhand going cross-court presents Kerber with another break (her seventh overall) … guess what, she can’t take it. Stephens then sees it out to open up some daylight.

First set: Kerber* 2-3 Stephens (*denotes server)

Stephens breaks! Not sure if that last game took it out of Kerber, mentally and physically, but she’s sloppy with two early unforced errors. She’s temporarily let out of jail, though, by a poor Stephens drop shot. However, Stephens earns her first break points of the match with a ripping backhand and then completes the job, moving to the net and smashing a winner into the corner.

First set: Kerber 2-2 Stephens* (*denotes server)

A mini epic, as Stephens saves three break points. Kerber was a little unlucky but she is bringing real energy to this match. How long she can keep it up remains to be seen but she’s busy along that baseline and is trying to fashion opportunities for winners. One forehand, in particular, which brings up 15-30 leaves Stephens completely flat-footed. Stephens finds some extra kick in her serve to take the game to deuce but then she double faults, presenting a break point. After Stephens saves, Kerber then delivers the shot of the match so far with a stretching backhand cross-court winner to set up another break point. She finds the net and offers a face of pure disappointment but then a fun little net exchange sees Stephens long with a lob. But again, Kerber can’t see it out and Stephens goes onto hold.

First set: Kerber* 2-1 Stephens (*denotes server)

Stephens’ forehand is gaining velocity and getting some traction as Kerber is doing all of the early running allowing the American to pick her spots. However, the German keeps playing the percentages and while she may not have the same level of power, gets the job done and it’s a comfortable hold in the end.

First set: Kerber 1-1 Stephens* (*denotes server)

After starting the game with a poor forehand, a mammoth rally, full of aggressive groundstrokes, allows Stephens to restore parity. Kerber bursts to the net to crunch home a forehand winner to take a 30-15 lead. Stephens is then long to give the No 1 seed two break points. She saves one with a stylish forehand on the move and the second as Kerber finds the net. At deuce, it’s much better from Stephens as she takes complete control of both rallies to hold.

First set: Kerber* 1-0 Stephens (denotes server)

Stephens goes after the Kerber serve straight away, moving well and delivering some big groundstrokes but a wayward forehand and an overhit backhand lob give the German a platform to take the game, however she double faults for deuce. Stephens’ whipped forehand is long again and then Kerber sees it out with a crashing forehand winner which the American can’t reach.

Kerber serves first…

Stephens and Kerber discuss each other’s game…

Stephens (who won the toss and has elected to receive serve first) …

The first time I played Angie was at Indian Wells (in 2012) and I was up and ended up losing. I play well, I matchup well against her. In the past, I have played well against on good surfaces. I’m just going to go out and do my best.

Kerber, meanwhile…

It is not so easy to play against Sloane, she is playing incredible and has so much talent. It will be a really tough match. But it’s great to play her because it’s always interesting and you have to push yourself to the limits.

The players are out on court! About to begin their warm-up. It’s very noisy. Stephens is wearing earbuds. Clearly not happy with the tunes.

A quick reminder as to the semi-final outcomes of this match…

• If Kerber wins, Bertens will be the group winner, Kerber second. Bertens would face Pliskova in the semi-finals, with Kerber facing Svitolina

• If Stephens wins, Stephens will be the group winner, Bertens second. Stephens would face Pliskova in the semi-finals, with Bertens facing Svitolina

Just to revisit this link in my preamble … it’s definitely worth a watch. Sloane Stephens revealing a love of Lionel, bingo and embalming. Yup.

Not wanting to be a doom-monger (but I am going to be) surrounding Kerber’s chances but along with her dismal 1-4 record against Stephens, she also suffered a lower back injury in beating Naomi Osaka on Wednesday…

If you’re twiddling your thumbs waiting for the match to start, then why not put them to good use with our Sports Quiz of the Week (a mediocre 7/10 over here)…

Elsewhere, reviews could be expanded to include double-bounces and net touches with the ATP trialling the new system at the Next-Gen Finals in Milan from November 6-10. This, from Phil Casey of the Press Association…

A new form of video review will be tested at next month’s ATP Next Gen Finals, allowing players to challenge a wider range of decisions.

Using the same Hawk-Eye technology which is used on disputed line calls, the experiment will cover double-bounces, net touches or shots played before the ball has crossed the net.

In such situations players will be able to call for a review, with no limits on the number of requests, with a video operator then sending the relevant footage to the chair umpire’s table. As with line calls, the same images will appear on the big screen in the venue.

Gayle David Bradshaw, executive vice president, ATP rules and competition, said: “Controversy with these types of decisions are rare, but when they do occur they can be particularly unsettling for players.

“We do not expect a lot of challenges, but should any instances arise, this technology will ensure the correct decision is reached.”

Future use of video review could also include decisions on whether to award the point or to replay it in the case of a corrected line call by an official.

In other, considerably more serious, injury news Caroline Wozniacki revealed yesterday that she’s been diagonsed with rheumatoid arthritis…

Speaking in her post-match presser, Bertens, who led 6-3, said…

When she called out the physio I think the last point she was not moving to the ball like from 4-3 to 5-3. But before that, I didn’t know [she was injured].

I saw her in the match before that she was struggling a little bit with the hamstring, and of course she was taped today, but I think in the beginning she was still okay. It’s never easy or never nice to win a match like this, but it is what it is.

I’ll take it and I’ll take my rest, and I have some more recovery time for tomorrow.

Regarding Naomi Osaka’s injury, it seems it was her left hamstring. Although that’s unconfirmed.

Hello… Noted Lionel Richie fanatic Sloane Stephens takes on Angelique Kerber in the final round robin match at the Finals and, joy of joys, for you, me and the good people of the WTA, there’s plenty at stake! Naomi Osaka’s fantastic season came to a rather sad end earlier today when she had to retire hurt from her match against Kiki Bertens, which has put the latter into the semi-finals – the first Dutchwoman since Brenda Schultz-McCarthy in 1995 to do so, which is nice. Aaaaanyway, as a result, both Stephens and Kerber need to win to follow Bertens into the last four, with Elina Svitolina and Karolína Pliskova having qualified yesterday.

Stephens has been impressive, beating Bertens and Osaka – albeit needing three sets in both – and victory over Kerber would ensure she tops the Red Group. Should the German, who defeated Osaka but lost to Bertens, triumph she would advance as runner-up with Stephens eliminated.

In terms of head-to-head records, history would lean heavily towards a Stephens win given she’s beaten Kerber in four of their five encounters with the only loss coming at Indian Wells in 2012 when she was just 19 and beginning to make her breakthrough on Tour. In those four straight victories, the American is also yet to drop a set and Kerber’s resistance has amounted to only 16 games.

Play begins at 12.30pm BST