It was the first time two German women had gone head-to-head in the latter stages of the Australian Open since 1989 and Angelique Kerber's dominant straight sets vitory over Annika Beck was a near mirror image of Steffi Graf's that day.  In just under one and a half hours, Kerber had secured her 6-4 6-0 win and suddenly found herself the sole German left in the draw.  

Kerber's experience too much for Beck

Having reached her first fourth round appearance since 2014, Angelique Kerber looked in a determined mood throughout the match as she aimed for her first ever quarter final Down Under. Beck, meanwhile, was playing in her maiden second week of a grand slam and the youngster's lack of experience would prove telling. 

In a long and hard-fought first set which lasted exactly an hour, Beck would push Kerber all the way, with both women struggling to hold their serve as the breaks were exchanged with regularity.  With Beck's racket swinging freely, if overly so, she outhit Kerber for most of the set and at times looked destined to take the one set lead. 

However, nerves and inexperience often have twisted effects on players in important matches in grand slams, especially when they are as young as Beck. Daria Gavrilova demonstrated this in her capitulation against Carla Suarez Navarro yesterday, and Beck was similar today. 

Annika Beck played well in the first set but the loss of it proved too much (Source: Sporting Life)
Annika Beck played well in the first set but the loss of it proved too much (Source: Sporting Life)

When the set reached its vital moments, Kerber suddenly had too much for Beck as she secured the vital service break to leave her young countrywoman distaught. 

This would prove telling in a one-sided second set in which Kerber strode to the quarter final with ease. Suddenly Beck was looking unsure and frustrated in her shots, whereas Kerber remained calm and extremely composed. 

As Beck hit only two winners in the whole set, a massive fourteen less than the previous, Kerber upped her game and within half an hour and swept to a bagel set and the win. 

Beck with a bright future but Azarenka over the horizon for Kerber

'It was really tough. I would like to congratulate Annika, she has played amazing.' Kerber was quick to say after the match. 'She is a great player and has a good future.'  With Beck's wins at the Australian Open having included one over Timea Bacsinszky, Kerber's words could prove true.  

Kerber will now face Victoria Azarenka, who enjoyed another dominant display over Barbora Strycova to reach the quarter finals. In a repeat of this year's Brisbane final, revenge will be on Kerber's mind as she looks to avenge that defeat.  

Sabine Lisicki is one of a number of German women inside the top fifty (Source: Rediff)
Sabine Lisicki is one of a number of German women inside the top fifty (Source: Rediff)

For German tennis, the tournament proved fruitful and although Kerber is now the only lady left in the draw, she, Beck and Anna-Lena Friedsam all reached the fourth round of the opening grand slam of the year.  And with Julia Görges, Sabine Lisicki and Andrea Petkovic all coming back to form, 2016 could prove a monumental year for Germany's WTA tennis. 

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About the author
Jack Haugh
Freelance sports writer, specialising in tennis.