By winning the Australian Open a couple of weeks ago, Serena Williams once again cemented her already unique place in tennis history. Her 23 Grand Slam singles success made her the most prolific WTA player of the Open Era. The Aussie success also meant that Serena reclaimed her WTA crown from Angelique Kerber, the no. 1 player in Germany.
What we already knew is about to happen this week in Dubai, the first Premier 5 event of the season. Last week the German suffered an early exit in Doha being defeated in 3 sets by the rising Russian star Daria Kasatkina.
Now, for the 2016 US Open champion, a great opportunity emerges as she might bounce back on the WTA summit if she wins this tournament.
A battle of two amazing athletes
Serena chose to take some time off following the Aussie success, something that she usually does lately. Given her age, a light schedule is a right approach. But in the process of recovery, she might lose the freshly regained world no. 1 position in the ranking.
For this to happen, Kerber has a single choice which is winning the title in Dubai. The 900 points burst given by a potential success would do the job.
The rivalry of Williams vs. Kerber emerged following the huge upset Kerber produced last year in Melbourne when she unexpectedly defeated Serena in the women's singles final clinching her maiden Grand Slam.
The season of 2016 was widely driven by this particular rivalry having either Serena or Kerber in each Grand Slam singles final. At 2016 Wimbledon, they battled once again having the American tennis player as the winning character.
Ranking might not be so important
It's amazing how Williams always find new methods to motivate herself while playing tennis.
Arguably the best women tennis player in history, she is still dominant on the WTA Tour. But her priorities might change, and the ranking could be no longer a priority.
She rather is in a race to break up every existent milestone or record of the WTA Tour. So far, she did so well in her quest and what's left of 2017 might bring up some other great achievements on her side.
