Defending Sydney International champion Angelique Kerber has kick-started her campaign with a testing 7-6(3), 6-2, win over Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
The world No.2 was on the back foot during both sets against her fiery opponent. Trailing 1-3 in the opener before clawing her way back and going on to edge Giorgi out in the tiebreaker. Then in the second set, which was briefly halted due to rain, Kerber responded to getting broken by winning five consecutive games in a row to secure the victory.
“It’s so great to be back here is Sydney. I have such great memories from last year, when I won the title.” Said Kerber, who finished runner-up in last week’s Hopman Cup alongside Alexander Zverev.
“It always tough to play Camila, she hits the ball really hard. Even her second serve is like a first serve.
“I was trying to move good and bring a lot of balls back (into play).”
“It’s always not easy to play your first tournament match of the season, but I’m happy to be through. “
Withstanding 34 winners from Giorgi, Kerber claimed 65% of her first service points and converted five out of her seven break point opportunities. One of the most telling factors of the match was the unforced error count. Giorgi made 39 mistakes during the clash, which was three times more than Kerber (13).
Kerber is hoping for a case of deja vu to occur in Sydney this week. 12 months ago, she won the title after experiencing a torrid 2017 season. Last year she won two WTA titles, including the Wimbledon Championships, and re-entered the world’s top five.
“I think 2017 was really important for me.” She reflected. “I leant a lot about me, tennis, dealing with pressure and everything.
“I think without the last two of three years I wouldn’t be the player I am now. It helped me win Wimbledon.”
Next up for the German player will be the winner of the match between Petra Kvitova and Hsieh Su-wei, which will take place on Wednesday.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Gatbine Muguruza has withdrawn from the draw. The former world No.1, who defeated Carla Suarez Navarro in the first round, cited illness as the reason. The Spaniard is currently suffering from a gastrointestinal-related illness.
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It is the second consecutive year that Muguruza has been forced out of Sydney. Last year a thigh injury resulting in her withdrawing from Brisbane and then missing Sydney completely.
Muguruza’s opponent, Kiki Bertens, will play either Sloane Stephens or Yania Putintseva in the quarter-finals.
