[17] Angelique Kerber (GER) vs. [28] Jennifer Brady (USA)
The American had been slowly but surely climbing her way up the ranks. Last month, she served noticed when she claimed her first WTA singles title, never dropping a set at the Lexington tournament last month. Although she stumbled in the first round at the next tournament, she came into the US Open with the confidence of owning a tour title.
JENNIFER BRADY ON FIRE
The American was hot from the first game, and probably took her opponent by surprise. It is one thing to know what weapons your opponent has and the potential chinks in the armor; however, it is quite a different thing when you have never played them before.
When you are a three time major champion, who have been on the biggest stages of tennis and beaten the top stars of tennis, you probably don’t think too much of an opponent who is still just climbing up the ranks. Sure, you may be pushed a little, but inside you are confident you will come out victorious.
KERBER TAKEN BY SURPRISE
The German was slow to get started and woefully underprepared for the Brady forehand and serve. Before she could take a deep breath and get her bearings, she was down a double break and in danger of losing the first set.
Yet, it was out of her hands as the American was focused and served brilliantly in the first set. Brady never gave Kerber an opportunity to break her serve and she played a clean first set, with only three unforced errors.
Embed from Getty ImagesTHE GERMAN FIGHTS BACK
The second set was more competitive and Kerber had opportunities to potentially force this match to a third set; however, credit the American for digging deep and fighting off the challenge. Everyone knew that the champion in Kerber would not go down without a fight and fight she did in the second set. Brady could not maintain the high level of play, but Kerber also lifted the level of her play. The German would manufacture more break point opportunities, six, in the second set; however, her inability to capitalize was her undoing.
BRADY UPSETS FORMER CHAMPION
The American is into her first major quarterfinal and she did so without dropping a set against the three-time major champion. She was tested in the second set by the German but held her nerve.
Not discouraged at dropping her serve, Brady just refocused and played the big points better to regain the lead in set two. The confidence of winning her first title served her well as she served out the match to claim the 6-1, 6-4 victory and a spot in her first major quarterfinal.
MAIN IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES/Al Bello Day 7 US Open: Jennifer Brady
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