Kerber seeking perfection in Rome

Angelique Kerber survived a scare from Anastasia Rodionova to book her place in the next round of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia.

Germany's new number one had to fight back from a set down and early breaks in the second and third sets to prevail 4-6 7-5 6-2 in the Italian capital Rome. Kerber has recently risen to a new world ranking of No.11 and was made to sweat for her career-high status by the Australian qualifier in testing conditions in the Eternal City. "It was very tough conditions because some of the court had shadows, some was sunny, and it was windy," Kerber said. "And Anastasia played very well - I was just thinking to fight and play point by point, and I'm very happy I won." Kerber said she was happy to back on the famous red dirt in response to criticism about the blue surface at last week's Mutua Madrid Open, won by Serena Williams. She added: "I love playing on red clay. I grew up on it. Last week the blue clay in Madrid wasn't so bad, I made the third round, but it's good to be back on red!" Kerber said she would not dwell too much on her new status as number one player in her homeland and world ranking but would continue to try and get to the very top of the women's game. She said: "Of course I'm very happy to be the new No.1 in Germany and have my career-high too, but I actually just try to keep improving my game and my personality, and we'll see what comes."