Angelique Kerber can regain ground with wins at Qatar Total Open

Angelique Kerber can regain ground with a strong performance at the Qatar Total Open. Advancing to the finals could propel her toward the world No. 1 spot.

Angelique Kerber is on track to bounce back at the 2017 Qatar Total Open.

If the German tennis player can advance to the finals in Doha, and then again in Dubai, she would be in a solid position with the world No. 1 ranking. For now, Serena Williams remains on top.

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Williams is not playing at this week’s WTA tournament. Neither is her sister Venus. Also absent is defending champion Carla Suárez Navarro, who is recovering from a shoulder injury.

Kerber is the top seed in Doha.

Her road to victory could include a quarterfinals match with Monica Puig. Further into the tournament, she could also face the likes of Caroline Wozniacki or Agnieszka Radwańska, among others. It is a competitive field at the 2017 Qatar Total Open.

Do not be fooled by the absence of the Williams sisters and Navarro. Kerber would stand to not only gain critical ground needed for reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking, but could use the momentum of a strong showing in Doha.

The German tennis player is looking to make progress in the standings over the next several weeks. She was upset at the Australian Open by Coco Vandeweghe, but a string of solid tournaments would make Angelique Kerber the player to beat on tour yet again.

Another notable missing player in Doha is Victoria Azarenka, who is still out of competitive play following the birth of her child. Azarenka is the 2012 and 2013 champion at the tournament. Kerber must take advantage of this opportunity to gain ground this week in Doha.

Next: 2017 WTA Tour: 5 Players To Watch

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