World No.1 Angelique Kerber stunned at Hong Kong Tennis Open by little-known Aussie Daria Gavrilova
Centre Court silenced as German is knocked out at quarter-final stage by world No.38
World number one Angelique Kerber was dumped out of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at the quarter-final stage in straight sets by Australian Daria Gavrilova on Friday in the biggest shock of the tournament so far.
A stunned Centre Court witnessed the German, who had been in scintillating form this week, be overawed in 74 minutes by the world number 38 Gavrilova.
It was the first time in six attempts that the Australian had beaten Kerber, who won two grand slam titles this season. But Kerber said afterwards she was not surprised by the level of performance from her opponent.
“I know how she’s playing. I unfortunately wasn’t playing my best tennis,” said the 28-year-old. “I just can say that I was not playing my best.”
The defeat for Kerber now means that American great Serena Williams, who she usurped at the top of the world standings earlier this month, has the chance to reclaim the number one spot at the season-ending WTA Finals in Singapore, which begin on October 23rd.
“I’ve played a lot of matches this year. I think right now I need a few days off to get ready [for Singapore]. I need a lot of treatment right now to get ready,” said Kerber, hinting at a problem with her shoulder.
