Kerber backs Barty to handle world No.1 pressures

Former world number one Angelique Kerber knows the pressure of starting a new season as the player everyone wants to beat, but she is confident Ashleigh Barty can meet the challenge.

The Australian had a breakout year in 2019, winning the French Open along with the prestigious WTA Finals, where she cemented her place atop the year-end rankings.

Both Kerber and Barty, along with former world number one Naomi Osaka, begin their 2020 campaigns at the Brisbane International from Monday.

"She's always a tough opponent. She's such a great player, a great person as well and I'm really happy for her that she reached the number one spot," the German told reporters of Barty.

"She put a lot of effort in and she worked hard. It's always a tougher year to start as the number one player but I think she will deal with that situation."
"You have to improve every single tournament, every year, because even if you win a Grand Slam, everyone is looking to beat you."
"I know her and also her team, she played so well and I'm really sure she'll continue to play how she played particularly the end of last year."