Many happy returns for birthday girl Kerber

MELBOURNE: World number five Angelique Kerber blew Madison Keys out of the Australian Open on Friday -- and then blew out the candles on a birthday cake she was presented with on court.

The German celebrated turning 25 by beating the young American 6-2, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena, and was surprised with the chocolate treat during her post-match interview.

"It was a very tough match because Madison is a great young player," said Kerber. "I was just trying to focus point by point and I'm so happy to win on my birthday."

Kerber has never been beyond the third round at Melbourne Park before and next meets either 11th seeded Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli or 19th seeded Russian Ekaterina Makarova.

"I really have nothing to lose," said Kerber, who won tournaments in Paris and Copenhagen last season as she became the first German to finish in the year-end top five since Steffi Graf in 1996. (AFP)