Maria Sharapova returns to Angelique Kerber in Melbourne on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

Maria Sharapova wanted to test her level against the leading players but found the answer a rather brutal one as she took just four games off a rejuvenated Angelique Kerber in the third round of the Australian Open here on Saturday. Kerber is fast looking like the favourite for the women's title and played at a very high level throughout the 6-1, 6-3 victory, which lasted only 64 minutes. Sharapova said she would not shy away from the work needed to try to get back to Grand Slam-winning level after her 15-month doping ban.