Angelique Kerber is back, can retake world No. 1 position

Angelique Kerber did just what she needed to against Monica Puig at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Now, she is again eyeing the world No. 1 position.

Angelique Kerber is closing the gap between her and current world No. 1, Serena Williams. After the American solidified her position with a win at Melbourne Park, she has been absent from the WTA Tour since the Grand Slam.

Kerber is taking advantage of her time in Dubai.

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The German tennis player saw herself in the middle of a rematch of the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal match this week. She faced Monica Puig, who took home gold over Kerber last summer. This time, however, went in favor of the current world No. 2.

Kerber defeats Puig 6-2, 6-3.

The win over Puig comes after a straight set victory for Kerber over fellow countrywoman Mona Barthel. The world No. 2 is back on track at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Next, Kerber faces 19-year-old Ana Konjuh. The young Croatian tennis player did upset veteran star Samantha Stosur in the round of 32. She would also upset the No. 8 seeded player to advance to a quarterfinals match with Kerber.

Angelique Kerber can take back the top position in women’s singles tennis with a title in Dubai. With several of the top players in action this week, a title in Dubai would go a long way to also boost Kerber’s confidence and momentum moving forward.

Roland Garros is almost two months away, making every tournament between now and then critical for Kerber. The world No. 2 is hoping to prove that 2016 was not a fluke. All signs point to the German tennis star being back in world No. 1 shape.

Next: 2017 WTA Tour: 5 Players To Watch

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