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Kerber Passes Barty Test In 2017 Opener, Faces Svitolina In Brisbane QFs

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

BRISBANE, Australia – World No.1 Angelique Kerber came through a testing opening outing of 2017, seeing off Ashleigh Barty in three sets to reach the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

While the home crowd gave reigning Australian Open champion Kerber’s a warm welcome, World No.271 Barty did not follow suit, making a mockery of her lowly ranking to push Kerber all the way. In the end, though, Kerber’s class shone through, closing out a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 victory to set up a quarterfinal showdown with Elina Svitolina.

“It’s always tough to play a match after such a long break, and Ashleigh was playing very well from the first point,” Kerber said. “It’s always different starting the year, and the first matches are always tough.

“You have to get again into the rhythm and play a lot of matches to feel your game.”

Barty, who will not turn 21 until April, is already embarking on her second ascent of the tennis ladder. After a glittering junior career, she enjoyed instant success in the senior ranks, reaching three major doubles finals alongside fellow Australian Casey Dellacqua.

However, the stresses of life on tour soon took its toll on her teenage mind and body, prompting a 17-month hiatus. She has played sparingly since returning but reveled in the atmosphere created by another packed Pat Rafter Arena, playing some sparkling tennis to extend her esteemed opponent. Ultimately, her lack of match sharpness told, Kerber praying on the rising number of unforced errors to establish a decisive third set lead.

“I’m really, really pleased with the form, a bit disappointed we didn’t win but very good things came out of it,” Barty said. “It’s the start of good things to come hopefully. I’m a more developed player this time around.”

Kerber was full of praise for her opponent, whom she expects to only improve: “Working hard and playing like she did tonight I’m sure she will have great results.

“She played so well straight from the first point tonight.”

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Goerges Into Final, Wozniacki On Hold

Goerges Into Final, Wozniacki On Hold

  • Posted: Jan 01, 1970

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Julia Goerges powered through to the ASB Classic final on Friday, but the second semifinal – pitting Caroline Wozniacki against Sloane Stephens – was stopped due to rain.

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The first semifinal wrapped up before the skies opened, though Goerges did serve up a storm against Tamira Paszek – the German lost just six points in her first seven service games, eventually dropping serve mid-way through the second set but regrouping to close out the Austrian qualifier, 6-4, 6-2.

With the win, Goerges moves through to a WTA final for the first time in almost four years – her last WTA final came at Dubai in 2012 (falling to Agnieszka Radwanska). She’s 2-3 lifetime in WTA finals.

“I must say it feels very good to be in a final again after such a long time,” Goerges said. “But overall it was a very, very good match from my side – played very aggressively, served decently in the first set. Second set wasn’t a good first serve percentage, but it was a very, very good match from me.”

The former World No.15 will have to wait until Saturday morning to find out her opponent in the final, though, as the second semifinal – pitting No.3 seed Wozniacki against No.5 seed Stephens – was cancelled for the day due to rain. Stephens had opened up a 5-2 lead when the rain started to fall.

Here’s a taste of what Stephens was bringing to the table, courtesy of the WTA Twitter account:

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