Aussie cops 'beatdown' against ruthless Kerber
Birthday girl Angelique Kerber has sent Aussie wildcard Kimberly Birrell crashing back down to earth in a brutal third round win at the Australian Open.
Germany’s three-time grand slam champion – celebrating her 31st birthday – was at her ruthless best dispatching the 20-year-old local hope 6-1 6-0 in under an hour.
The 58-minute demolition job left many fans convinced Kerber will claim the trophy she famously won against Serena Williams in 2016.
🇩🇪MATCH🇩🇪
Angelique Kerber defeats Kim Birrell in straight sets.#GameSetMatch #AusOpen #9WWOS pic.twitter.com/06vYjB0lek
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 18, 2019
It’s going to be a special performance to stop Angie Kerber from winning the Australian Open again #AusOpen
— Tev (@Tevon96) January 18, 2019
Angelique Kerber easily beats Australian wildcard Kim Birrell 6-1, 6-0. A massive crash down to earth for Birrell. Hope she can really take the positives out of the experience of this week as a whole, because she's come a long way. #ausopen
— Jake Davies (@jakedavi5) January 18, 2019
Angelique Kerber, still playing very well this week, easily beats Kim Birrell 6-1, 6-0, in 58 minutes, to reach the last 16 at the #AusOpen.
That was… a beatdown
[getty]
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 18, 2019
On her birthday, Angelique Kerber defeats Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 6-0.
— Jill Martin (@ByJillMartin) January 18, 2019
The unbeaten Kerber was playing like she owns the court throughout the match #AusOpen
— 𝓡𝔃𝓶𝓱 (@Rvzmvh_) January 18, 2019
Who’s impressed you the most this week? Haven’t seen much but Kerber looking the best player in tennis, man or woman IMO.
— Only One Gervais (@tennis4arsenal) January 18, 2019
Kerber was glowing in her praise for Birrell after the Aussie youngster’s breakthrough major tournament.
“Kimberly she played amazing and over the last few weeks she beat some tough players,” Kerber said.
“I knew I had to play some of my best tennis from the first game to the last one so I wish her all the best and for sure, you will see a lot of her in the future.”
Despite the scoreline the reigning Wimbledon champion predicted a bright future for Birrell.
The world No.240 is already assured of a surge into the top 160 after her Open charge.
“If she is playing like this and working hard she will be a top 100 player very soon.”
The World No.2 next takes on exciting young American Danielle Collins who downed 19th seed Caroline Garcia of France 6-3 6-2.
It was a double celebration for Kerber, with the match coming on her 31st birthday and she was serenaded by the crowd as she exited the court.
With agencies