Kerber keen to shine in final Slam warm-up

Angelique Kerber has one last chance to shine ahead of the Australian Open after crashing out early at the Brisbane International, but she insists she is happy with her game heading into her final warm-up at Sydney. The world number one, preparing to defend her title at the opening Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park, was unexpectedly dumped from the Brisbane tournament in the quarterfinals on Thursday by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina. Despite the 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat, Kerber is content with her form as she prepares to tackle the WTA/ATP Sydney International, which gets underway on Sunday. “I’m happy with my start (to the year). Of course I’m obviously disappointed with how I lost in the quarters,” she said. “But I can take the positives out of the tournament.” Kerber headlines a women’s draw in Sydney that features 11 of the world’s top 20 in their final outing before the Australian Open starting on January 16. — AFP