Angelique Kerber extended the ranking pressure on Serena Williams as the German eliminated 2015 US Open finalist Roberta Vinci 7-5, 6-0 on Tuesday in the quarter-finals.

Kerber, second on the WTA list behind Williams, can seize the number one ranking from her rival if Williams does not reach the final. If both players are in the final, Williams would have to win the trophy again in order to hang onto her top ranking, dpa reported.

Vinci has been carrying an injury and was not a force against the big-hitting Kerber, the Olympic silver medallist in Rio.

The old-school Italian stunned Williams a year ago in the semi-finals before losing the title match to compatriot Flavia Pennetta, now retired. Kerber scored her WTA-leading 52nd win of the season in an hour and a quarter, breaking seven times and notching 33 winners.

Source : XINHUA