Maria is through to the fourth round of the Australian Open in Melbourne after she defeated No.30 seed Angelique Kerber of Germany.  Maria won 6-1 6-2 in 1 hour and 27 minutes in a match that was tougher than the scoreline suggests.

Maria started strong in the first set by breaking Kerber in the first game and winning the first eight points.  Kerber needed seven deuces to hold her serve in the next game.  Maria then won the next four games and took set-point on a Kerber error.

In the second set Maria breaks Kerber to lead 2-0 with a successful challenge on break point.  A marathon game on Maria's serve follows in the third game as Kerber breaks Maria on her sixth break point.  After the changeover, there is another long deuce game as Kerber holds her serve.  Maria goes down 0-30 on her next service game but battles through to take the game and  lead 3-2.  In the next game Maria breaks Kerber after a lengthy deuce game.  After that break of serve, Maria won the next two games and won the match on a blistering cross court winner.

In Monday's fourth round match, Maria will play No.14 seed Sabine Lisicki of Germany.  Maria leads the series 2-0, here are the two matches they have played:
Miami 2011 3rd Round: Maria won 6-2 6-0
Wimbledon 2011 Semi Final: Maria won 6-4 6-3