Australian Open: Kerber defeats Hsieh to enter quarters

Melbourne Jan 22 (IANS) Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber on Monday defeated Taiwan s Hsieh Su-wei 4-6 7-5 6-2 in the Australian Open round of 16 to qualify for the quarterfinals.

With her six breaks from 13 the 30-year-old German won in two hours and eight minutes over 88th-ranked Hsieh who knocked out Spanish third seed Garbiñe Muguruza in the second round reports Efe.

"In these moments I m just trying to stay focused. I tried to forget about the score and play every ball " Kerber said.

Winner of the title in 2016 Kerber who is now ranked 16th is due to play US Madison Keys who knocked out eighth seed Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2.

"It s another tough match but it s the quarters now. I ll just try to continue focusing on my game. Madison is a tough opponent but I m feeling good here. I just want to enjoy it " Kerber explained.

--IANS
sam/mr