Angelique Kerber brushed aside the challenge from Maria Sharapova in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the fourth round of the Australian Open on Saturday.

Kerber, who was champion in 2016, swat past Sharapova in 64 minutes and by so is the only former Aussie Open champion left in the race for the 2018 crown.

After the victory she said, “This court is so special for me, so I came out here and I was trying to enjoy every point and with you guys it’s even more special.

“I knew before the match it would be a tough one. I was really trying to play my game. I am so happy it is 2018 and not 2017 any more.

“I’m just trying to enjoy every moment right now. I learned a lot from the last 24 months. I had a great 2016 and last year was a little bit tougher, but everybody who knows me knows I never give up.”

So far this year the German has gone on a run of 12 consecutive wins.