Kerber clinches Sydney International title

Angelique Kerber has won her first title since the US Open in 2016 after beating Ashleigh Barty 6-4 6-4 in the Sydney International final.

The former world number one has slipped all the way down to 22nd in the rankings but is now showing signs of a revival just ahead of the Australian Open.

Kerber denied Barty a first WTA title win on home soil after a hard-fought contest and feels like she is getting back towards her best.

“I am playing amazing tennis again and feeling just great,” said Kerber on wtatennis.com.

“It feels very good to win my first title in my first tournament this year. I have had a great week and the final was not easy against Ash. I feel like I am getting closer to my 2016 level.”

Elsewhere, Elise Mertens successfully defended her Hobart International title with a 6-1 4-6 6-3 win over Mihaela Buzarnescu.

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