Caroline Wozniacki vs. Angelique Kerber: Score and Reaction from 2016 US Open

Angelique Kerber is the world's new No. 1-ranked player, and she looked worthy of the title during her straight-sets victory over Caroline Wozniacki in Thursday's semifinal match at the 2016 U.S. Open.

Kerber controlled the majority of the match in Flushing Meadows, New York, winning 6-4, 6-3. Wozniacki is a former world No. 1, but Kerber ascended to the top spot when Serena Williams lost a stunner to Karolina Pliskova in the other semifinal Thursday, per Hannah Storm of ESPN. 

ESPN Tennis highlighted Kerber's journey:

"

Say hello to the new world No.1!@AngeliqueKerber #USOpen pic.twitter.com/qZDMagYb3Q

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) September 9, 2016"

Now that she is No. 1, Kerber can focus solely on winning her first career U.S. Open title.

She earned that opportunity with steady play Thursday. She didn't tally a single ace, but she won seven of eight points at the net and benefited from 26 unforced errors by Wozniacki, per the U.S. Open's official website.

Kerber was dialed in from the start, jumping ahead 4-0 in the first set after two early breaks. Writer Andrew Jerell Jones pointed out Wozniacki was having trouble with her first serve, which proved costly in the opening set:

However, Wozniacki earned a break of her own and climbed to within 4-3 with a quick change of momentum. Facing a challenge for the first time in the match, Kerber then exerted her dominance with her serve and captured two of the next three games to grab a one-set advantage.

The U.S. Open shared the final point of the opening set:

Just like she did in the first, Kerber got off to a quick start in the second set with a break in the first game. Wozniacki got on the board by holding serve, but another break by Kerber made it 4-1 before she moved to within a game of earning the victory with her serve.

 Jones commented on Kerber's brilliance:

To Wozniacki's credit, she earned another break of her own and fought back to within 5-3, but Kerber finished the match with her serve and advanced to the final.

What's Next?

Kerber will face Pliskova for the U.S. Open title Saturday.

It may not have the same dramatic storyline of a battle for No. 1 that a showdown with Williams would have, but Pliskova is familiar with what it takes to handle Kerber in a final, having beaten her at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati in August.

She'll also have plenty of confidence after Thursday's victory over the 22-time major champion.

While beating Williams was an incredible feat, Pliskova will again need to be on top of her game if she wants to emerge with her first Grand Slam title. Kerber looked to be an overpowering force Thursday and already has a major championship under her belt this year. If she replicates that performance Saturday, she will have a good chance of earning her second.

Post-Match Reaction

Kerber talked about the No. 1 ranking, per Ben Rothenberg of the New York Times: “I was trying not to not think too much the whole last few weeks about this, and now I reach it. So it’s something really special for me, because, yeah, I was dreaming for this No. 1.”

Wozniacki discussed her Thursday opponent, per Rothenberg: “She’s had a great year. She gets a lot of balls back; she also knows how to change the pace. She gets good angles. And, yeah, she’s playing really well. You know, it’s not a lot of people who have been No. 1. It’s a huge thing.”

Kerber’s coach, Torben Beltz, reflected on the overall day, per Rothenberg: “A perfect day today. First she go the No. 1 spot, which is perfect. I think it was tough for her to keep her focus and momentum on the court, but she did very good, and she started the match like a No. 1.”

If she does that again in the final, it will be a perfect tournament for her as well.

All stats are courtesy of the U.S. Open's official website.