Kerber: Don't Look Back

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Angelique Kerber opens 2018 with a new coach and a new outlook.

The 2016 Australian Open champion conquered compatriot Anna-Lena Friedsam, 6-0, 6-4, in 66 minutes to roll into the Melbourne second round.

Watch: Sharapova Wins Melbourne Return

It was the sixth straight win for Kerber, who launched her partnership with new coach Wim Fissette, Johanna Konta's former coach, capturing her 11th career title in Sydney.

The former world No. 1 isn't looking back on her dismal 2017.

"I'm not trying to focusing too much on ahead, on past, or what's happened in the last year," Kerber told the media. "I'm just trying to really restart again and try to enjoy my tennis again and trying to making the transit, you know, from the practice, from the offseason to the match courts, I mean, because this is always a little bit different, but so far it works. I'm happy about my start."

The two-time Grand Slam champion will face Donna Vekic for a spot in the third round after wiping the slate clean of last season.

"You know, I think last year I will actually not speak about this anymore," Kerber said. "I mean, last year was really not the best year, everybody knows, and it was a lot of new experience. But I'm also thankful about all the things, because I think I'm growing and I grow with all the last 24 months, which makes me also, I think, a little bit another person but also another tennis player on court, which goes through all the things in the last few months.

"But I'm actually, right now, I'm just happy to playing again good tennis."

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve

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