Tennis news - Angelique Kerber continues fine form to beat Haddad Maia and reach third round

Updated 16/01/2019 at 13:53 GMT

2016 Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber powered her way into the third round, beating Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-3.

Germany's Angelique Kerber reacts after a point against Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia during their women's singles match on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 16, 2019.

Image credit: Getty Images

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The sixth game of the first set was an epic, with the players swapping the advantage before Haddad Maia managed to hold to keep herself within touching distance of the 2016 champion.

But Kerber was not to be denied, breaking once more and taking the first set 6-2.

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The Brazilian might have felt herself a little unfortunate, winning 74% on her first serve, but four double faults and no break points won meant that she could not make an inroad into the Kerber game.

The second set was more even, going with serve until the German finally broke serve and barrelled towards the finish.

"I think it was a good match from my side. I was trying to play aggressive from the first point until the last one, serving good, really focusing on the moment on court," Kerber told reporters.