Defending champion Angelique Kerber produced a lacklustre displayed as she crashed out to Coco Vandeweghe of America 6-2, 6-3, in the fourth round at the Australian Open.
The world No.1 struggled for momentum throughout the encounter against a player she had previously never lost to. Hitting fewer errors than her opponent (15-20), Kerber’s tentative second serve proved fatal to her chances of lifting a second consecutive Australian Open title as she won only 39% of those points.
The late-night match on the Rod Laver Arena saw Kerber struggle from the onset against her more confident and alert opponent. Struggling to find her rhythm, the mood of the world No.1 declined further when the speed and depth of Vendeweghe’s returns allowed her to break for a 3-2 lead. The positive vibe that is often associated with the German was nowhere to be seen. Another lacklustre Kerber service game, featuring a quartet of unforced errors, gave a break to the American as she cruised to a one-set lead after 33 minutes of play.
Kerber had a chance to turn her fortunes around as a drop in intensity and concentration from Vandeweghe allowed the top seed to open up a 2-0 lead in the second set. Despite boasting the minor advantage, there was still a notable absence of her composure. Every error she made was followed by outbursts of visible frustration.
A series of stunning shot from the forehand of the American rewarded her the break back as she once again moved back into control of the match. Vandeweghe was the one calling the shots and wasn’t afraid to attack. An outstanding backhand shot down the line elevated the world No.35 to a set and 5-3 lead. Closing in on one of the biggest wins of her career, the 25-year-old was undeterred by the occasion. At 30-30, an ace down the line moved her to match point. Then another serve down the line secured the victory after Kerber returned the ball out.
“It’s really special to play a number one player at any stage in any round. I believe this is my first number one win, so I will take that.” A relaxed Vandeweghe calmly said during her on-court interview.
The performance of the American was one for poker players to study. Throughout the match she didn’t appear nervous about the prospect of grabbing one of the biggest wins of her career to progress to her first Australian Open quarter-final. On the other hand, she wasn’t so calm insider her own head.
“I guessed I faked it a lot because I was feeling like crap out there. You just gotta keep out there, keep playing and just hope for the best.” She admitted.
“My game plan was to execute, knowing that she (Kerber) was going to get a lot of balls back and keep picking my spots, trust my game to beat her and it did today.”
Vandeweghe’s shock win has booked her a showdown with Garbine Muguruza, who defeated Sorana Cirstea 6-2, 6-3, earlier in the day.
“We’ve played a lot, a couple of times. It’s 1-1 head-to-head. She’s a tricky player. She has a lot of power, full shots, serve, everything. She can play very well.” Muguruza about playing Vandeweghe.
Kerber’s loss means that Serena Williams can reclaim the world No.1 spot if she wins the Melbourne title.
