Angelique Kerber says she is feeling good after winning her third round match against Kimberly Birrell on her birthday.
The 2016 champion raced past the Australian wildcard in 58 minutes as her defensive skills saw the German only drop one game.
It was a win that was extra special considering it was the German’s 31st birthday today and a win that puts her into the second week of the Australian Open.
After the victory Kerber said she is feeling good as she searches for her fourth grand slam title, “Yeah, I’m feeling good. I think that I played really solid match from the first point until the last one,” Kerber stated.
“I think she was a little bit nervous playing in front of the home crowd. But, you know, she beat good players in the last few days and weeks. For me, it was more important to really playing my own game like the whole match.”
It is hard to deny that Kerber is a strong contender for the title after losing just eleven games in her first three rounds at this year’s tournament although she is yet to face a player ranked inside the world’s top 90.
However that stat will change in the next round when she plays world number 35 Danielle Collins, who has already taken out seeds Julia Goerges and Caroline Garcia.
The former world number one that now is not the time to underestimate her opponent, “Yeah, I think it will be another good match. I mean, I know her little bit. We played once I think last year,” Kerber explained.
“Yeah, she hits the ball really hard and fast. She’s fighting, as well. She’s never giving up. It’s another match that I know that I have to take it in my hand, playing my game.”
The duo will play their fourth round clash on Sunday.
