Stephens cracks world top 10 with Miami semi-final run

American Sloane Stephens had cause for a double celebration after beating Germany's Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-2 to set up a Miami Open semi-final clash with former world number one Victoria Azarenka.

The US 13th seed's comprehensive triumph in tricky wind conditions over the former world number one ensured Stephens reached the last four at Key Biscayne for the first time.

It also means the reigning US Open champion will finally be named in the world's top 10 when the WTA release their rankings next week.

She will meet two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka for a place in Saturday's final after the Belarusian beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 7-5, 6-3.

"I am so tired of hearing that I am number 11 in the world," said a smiling Stephens yesterday.

"It's very exciting to get there, something I have wanted to do for a while. Getting into the top 10 is pretty special and something I have worked on for a long time."
"I need to play better than the last time I played Sloane. I will need to cut out the errors and play my best tennis."
- 'Stick with it' -
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"It's easy to start doing other things so I just need to keep to my plan and make sure I didn't venture off."