The fifth seed Angelique Kerber of Germany is through to the second round of the Australian Open after a straight sets win over Elina Svitolina 6-2 6-4.
Kerber who recently became the fifth German in history to rank in the WTA top 5, was at one point pushed by her 18 year-old opponent, but Kerber's experience prevailed over the youthfulness of the Ukrainian.
Kerber is attempting to make it past the third round at the Australian Open, something she has not achieved in five appearances at Melbourne Park and her comprehensive win's set's up a path to her goal.
“The match was very hard today because Elina is playing very well and I didn't really know her much before the match, so I was just trying to focus on myself and play my game,” Kerber said after her win.
“It was also really windy which made it tough, but I think the first round of a Grand Slam is always a big challenge.”
Nerves seemed to get the better of Svitolina earlier on in the match, as she gave Kerber a crucial break at 2-2 due to a double fault. A small, but nevertheless important breakthrough enabled the German to gain momentum and close the opening set 6-2.
In the second set it appeared Svitolina was fighting back, a move Kerber may not have expected and some of the German's momentum was drained at this point. Despite this, Kerber dictated play from the baseline and used her experience, rather than skill to clinch the second set and rap up the match.
Kerber will play either Lucie Hradecka or Kiki Bertens in the second round.
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