Angelique Kerber survives Parmentier, continues advancing at Indian Wells

Mar 11, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Angelique Kerber (GER) hits a shot during her second round match against Andrea Petkovic (not pictured) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Kerber won 6-2, 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Angelique Kerber (GER) hits a shot during her second round match against Andrea Petkovic (not pictured) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Kerber won 6-2, 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Angelique Kerber narrowly edges Pauline Parmentier in the round of 32 at the BNP Paribas Open. She remains in contention for the title.

Angelique Kerber  became a clear favorite at Indian Wells after Serena Williams announced her withdrawal from the tournament.

The higher seeded Kerber narrowly defeats French tennis player Pauline Parmentier to remain in contention for the women’s singles title.

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Kerber wins  7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

The three-set victory appeared almost impossible until late in the third set.

After winning a hard fought first set, Parmentier roared back to take the second. Capitalizing off of her momentum, she opened the third set up 4-1 over the world No. 2. Victory was near for the French tennis player until Kerber proved why she is one of the best in women’s singles tennis.

Overcoming the third set deficit, Kerber was able to avoid the upset.

Despite her up and down 2017 WTA Tour so far, Kerber is set to take back the world No. 1 ranking from Williams after this week. Williams will drop from the top spot after her withdrawal from action at Indian Wells. Taking the No. 1 ranking back will boost Kerber’s confidence, but only if she also performs well this week. The win over Parmentier keeps her title hopes alive.

The match was a test of endurance and skill for Angelique Kerber. She continues on at Indian Wells to face Russian tennis player Elena Vesnina in the round of 16.

Next: 2017 WTA Tour: 5 Players To Watch

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