Higher mathematics could be in demand when the last two semi-finalists are decided at the WTA final in Singapore on Friday. Angelique Kerber only has to win against Sloane Stephens in two sets to avoid having to unpack the slide rule. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Angelique Kerber’s oasis of well-being is 340 metres long these days. And it hovers 191 meters above the ground. From a distance, the roof garden of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel looks like an oversized surfboard towering over Singapore.
The integrated swimming pool is the highest in the world. Only hotel guests have access to Paradise on the 57th floor. Exclusively. So there is no chance of smuggling in, because each individual needs his own room card to open the door to the palm-fringed fairyland in the city-state.
Kerber spent a little time at the pool on her day off before the match against Naomi Osaka (6:4, 5:7, 6:4), she relaxed there after the training, let her soul dangle, “just did nothing”, as she said. It was obviously a good preparation, because in the duel with the Japanese US Open winner Kerber showed on Wednesday all the (fighter) qualities that distinguish her.
The Wimbledon winner made no secret of the fact that she felt the consequences of the long season after the 2:30 hour match. Physically, clearly – but certainly also mentally. “But I don’t feel bad,” said Kerber, who has shortened her punching units a little over the past few days. 30 to 40 minutes instead of 60 or even 90 minutes is the formula for success.
Speaking of formula. The last and decisive matchday of the Red Group on Friday threatens to become a mathematical diploma thesis. All four players still have a theoretical chance of reaching the semi-finals on Saturday. Here are the scenarios in the overview.
The best version: Kerber wins in two sets against Stephens, then she is definitely in the preliminary round of the 7.0 million dollar indoor spectacle at the Sports Hub.
In a three-set success of the Kielerin in the triangle comparison with Stephens and Bertens (if she also wins in three sets against Osaka) ultimately even the higher percentage of games won in the group matches could be decisive.
In the event of defeat, Kerber would definitely be eliminated. The advantage: Your game on Friday is scheduled as the second. Bertens and Osaka must go first. Which means: Kerber theoretically knows which result would be enough for her to get ahead.
But the world ranking second, top set in Singapore due to the absence of industry leader Simona Halep, doesn’t want to know anything about it. Kerber just wants to go out – and win. Morale’s victory over Osaka served as a booster to mobilize the last of their strength on the home straight of the season that had gone so well for them.
This will also be necessary, “because I know that there will be long rallies against Sloane”, said Kerber and already gave the direction verbally once: “I have to be aggressive and take the match into my hands. That’s the goal.”
A good omen perhaps: In Singapore, with the exception of coach Wim Fissette, who was fired last week, everyone will be present who was already sitting in their box during their Wimbledon coup in mid-July. First and foremost, Mother Beata.