Angelique Kerber is back in form following a great run in Sydney which has seen her claim a maiden Sydney International title, defeating local hope Ashleigh Barty in straight sets.
Kerber wasn’t at her best today. Neither player was. But Kerber was far more solid, keeping her unforced error count down to 13.
Barty on the other hand made 38 unforced errors – criminal against a top player like Kerber. Barty had her chances to make inroads in this final but just failed to find her range and was not clinical enough.
Barty will need to tighten her game considerably if she hopes to do well at the Australian Open next week.
Final score
Ashleigh Barty 4 4
Angelique Kerber 6 6
Australia’s Ash Barty will have to produce her best tennis to get the better of former Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber in the Sydney International final this afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm AEDT.
Coming off an unconvincing win over countrywoman Daria Gavrilova, Barty now faces a stern test before the Australian Open, facing off against two time Grand Slam champion Kerber.
Currently ranked outside the world’s top 20, Kerber’s form so far suggests that she has what it takes to reclaim her former mantle as the best player on the WTA tour.
Kerber has defeated some class players to get this deep into the tournament, beating Venus Williams, Dominika Cibulkova, Camila Giorgi and Lucie Safarova, dropping just one set en route to the final.
Having defeated such class opposition will provide Kerber with great confidence tonight, and Barty will have to produce her best tennis to stop the German in her tracks.
Barty though does have what it takes to defeat Kerber. They currently share a 1-1 head to head record against one another, with the Australian defeating Kerber in straight sets in China last year after losing to the German earlier in 2017 in Brisbane.
If Barty hopes to secure her maiden Sydney International title, she will need her forehand to be in top condition, and she will also need to come up to the net to finish off points quickly against one of the best movers on the WTA tour.
Kerber, a world-class returner, is known for fighting spirit and defensive skills, often forcing opponents into error with quick, efficient movement both laterally and vertically on the court. Kerber is solid off both forehand and backhand, playing both shots primarily cross court.
Kerber’s backhand, arguably her more reliable shot, is almost exclusively played cross court but occasionally Kerber utilizes a backhand drop shot.
Prediction
Barty played a poor semi-final despite winning the match and has to improve considerably to stand a chance tonight. Kerber on form deserves favouritism but Barty should be backed by a strong home crowd and that will give her confidence.
Kerber’s game though appears to be more solid at this stage and her current level should be enough for the German to secure another WTA tour title in a tough three-setter.
Kerber to win in three sets
Alan
Roar Guru
Kerber is back in form following a great run in Sydney which has seen her claim a maiden Sydney International title, defeating local hope Ash Barty in straight sets. Kerber wasn't at her best today. Neither player was. But Kerber was far more solid, keeping her unforced error count down to 13. Barty on the other hand made 38 unforced errors. Criminal against a top player like Kerber. Barty had her chances to make inroads in this final but just failed to find her range and was not clinical enough. Barty will need to tighten her game considerably if she hopes to do well at the Australian Open next week. Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND CHAMPIONSHIP KERBER Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Three championship points. Another unforced error from Barty Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
30-0 as Barty sends the forehand long. Unforced errors have killed the aussie today. Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
15-0 Kerber as Barty nets the backhand. Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty with an ace for game point. She holds and Kerber will have to serve for the title. Barty 4 4 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty misses the line with the overhead smash. Kerber defending well. Backhand serving the German well. Barty responds with the forehand winner. 15 all Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty with more unforced errors and its game point for Kerber. Kerber holds yet again as the forehand goes long. Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty with one of her best shots of the afternoon as the backhand down the line gives her break point... Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty nets the forehand again and another unforced error gifts Kerber the break. Final is Kerber's to lose now. Barty just not firing today Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK KERBER Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Credit to Kerber there for staying in the point as she chased down forehand after forehand. Barty though nets a very simple forehand volley. Kerber with the backhand for 0-30 Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Kerber holds well again as Barty fails to put any pressure on the German. Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
30-30. Barty needs to stop with the unforced errors. Game point now courtesy of the forehand winner. Ace and Barty holds well. Barty 4 3 Kerber 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Kerber holds Barty 4 2 Kerber 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty holds as she begins to find her range. Good signs early in the second set. Barty 4 2 Kerber 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Amazing what you can do when you hit the ball with venom. Barty kept the ball in play and hit the ball deep and overpowered Kerber en route to gaining the break back. All she has to do is keep this up and she is a real chance of getting back in this. Barty 4 1 Kerber 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK BARTY Barty 4 1 Kerber 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Three break points for Barty courtesy of some aggressive play. Needs to convert now. No excuses. Barty 4 0 Kerber 6 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Same story for Barty yet again. Kerber just keeping the ball in play and Barty is blinking first and committing some poor errors. Barty 4 0 Kerber 6 1