Kerber, Williams could clash in Wimbledon rematch at Montreal event

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MONTREAL, Aug 4, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Former world number one Angelique Kerber
could meet 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams in the second round of
the WTA Rogers Cup in what would be a rematch of the Wimbledon final.

Germany’s Kerber, who is seeded fourth in Montreal, defeated Williams in
straight sets 6-3, 6-3 at Wimbledon just over two weeks ago to claim her
third major championship.

Kerber would face Williams for the 10th time overall provided the American
gets past Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, who has defeated Williams four out of the
six times they have met in WTA Tour tournaments. Kerber has a first round
bye.

Cornet beat Williams all three times they played in 2014, including the
third round of Wimbledon. Their most recent meeting was at the 2016 Rio
Olympics which Williams won 7-6 (7/5), 6-2.

The tournament begins Monday and will feature the top 10 ranked players in
the world including world number one and reigning French Open champion Simona
Halep.

“I have great memories from two years ago, winning the singles and playing
the finals in doubles,” Halep, of Romania, said following the release of the
draw on Friday. “Every time I’m in Canada – especially here – I play good
tennis.

“I’m looking forward to starting the tournament and trying to give my
best.”

Halep, who won the event the last time it was held in Montreal two years
ago, will begin her quest against either former World No. 13 Anastasia
Pavlyuchenkova or a qualifier.

Halep is in the toughest quarter section of the draw which also comprises
sixth seed Caroline Garcia, seven-time champion Venus Williams, five-time
Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova and world number 13 Daria Kasatkina of
Russia.

Reigning Aussie Open champion Caroline Wozniacki will headline the bottom
half of this year’s draw, facing either Aryna Sabalenka or a qualifier in her
opening match.

She could be on course for a semi-final showdown with US Open champion
Sloane Stephens. The Dane finished runner-up to Elina Svitolina in the
tournament final last year when it was held in Toronto.

Stephens has climbed to a career-high ranking of World No.3 after being
ranked as low as 957 following a foot surgery last season.

Stephens will open against either Canadian wildcard Francoise Abanda or a
qualifier.