Kerber, the German former world No 1, was one of 72 players who were unable to leave their rooms to train during quarantine after passengers on their flights to Melbourne tested positive for Covid-19.
Her opponent Bernarda Pera was not among that cohort and the American ousted the 2016 Australian Open champion 6-0 ,6-4 in little more than an hour on the first morning of the tournament.
“Of course, you feel it if you are not the hitting ball for two weeks and you are not in the rhythm,” Kerber said after her earliest exit from Melbourne Park for six years.
“I was really trying to staying positive and doing the best out of the two-week situation but you feel it, especially if you play one of the first matches in a grand slam . against an opponent who didn’t stay in the hard lockdown.”
Australian Open tennis: Day one at Melbourne Park - Schedule, start time, live streaming and how to watch
8 Feb, 2021 02:30 AM
8 minutes to read
Angelique Kerber struggled to find any rhythm in her opening encounter of the Australian Open. Photo / AP
Angelique Kerber struggled to find any rhythm in her opening encounter of the Australian Open. Photo / AP
news.com.au
Welcome to day one of the 2021 Australian Open. On a day of blockbuster first-round matches, the very different Open started in drama with yet another hotel quarantine furore.
The on-court action promises to be just as dramatic when the action kicks off from 1pm (NZ time). You can see the latest updates below and watch the action live on Sky Sport, or stream it via Sky Sport Now.
Serena Williams races through 1st round at Australian Open
After briefly falling behind, Williams swept 10 consecutive games and beat Laura Siegemund on the first day of the tournament.
Credit: AP
United States Serena Williams runs to return a shot to Germany s Laura Siegemund during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Author: Associated Press Updated: 2:03 AM PST February 8, 2021
Serena Williams arrived ready to race at the Australian Open.
In a colorful one-legged catsuit she said was inspired by former Olympic champion Florence Griffith Joyner, Williams shook off a wobbly start opening with a double-fault and dropping her first service game to sweep 10 consecutive games and beat Laura Siegemund 6-1, 6-1 on the first day of the tournament.