Australian Open: Angelique Kerber outplays Maria Sharapova to reach R16
Angelique Kerber d Maria Sharapova, 6-1, 6-3
Angelique Kerber defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets to enter the round of 16.
It was a battle of former champions at the Australian Open.
Angie looked in a hurry and had taken the first set 6-1 in just 30 minutes.
"I was just trying to enjoy every point," said Kerber after snuffing out Sharapova's hopes in only her second Grand Slam tournament back since serving a 15-month doping ban.
“I have so many great memories from this court (Rod Laver Arena) … This court is so special for me and with you guys, it’s even more special,” Angie said after the match.
"I knew before the match it would be a tough one."
"Everybody who knows me knows that I never give up," she added.
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"Everybody who knows me know that I never give up." @AngeliqueKerber is BACK!
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018
She will play the winner of Su-Wei #Hsieh and Agnieszka #Radwanska in the 4R.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0
The 2016 winner from Germany and 21st seed roared past the Russian 2008 champion 6-1, 6-3 in 64 minutes on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday making 12 wins in a row in 2018.
With this victory, the 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament.
Kerber will face either 26th seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland or Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei for a place in the quarter-finals.
.@AngeliqueKerber must have a dinner reservation... ⌚️
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018
Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb