Hopman Cup: Third victory in third match: Kerber always in better shape

Angelique Kerber has underlined her early form in the new tennis season with the third victory in the third singles. The former world number one from Kiel, who dropped back to 21st place after a weak year, easily won the decisive group game of the Hopman Cup against Daria Gavrilova from Australia – number 25 in the world – 6:1,6:2.

Kerber had already won in Perth against the Belgian Elise Mertens (7:6,7:6) and the former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard from Canada (6:1,6:3) in two sets. The 29-year-old is preparing for the Australian Open in Melbourne for the first time at the Mixed Tournament (from 15. January) which she had won in 2016.

Alexander Zverev can complete the final against Switzerland with a win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.