WATCH | Australian Open: Angelique Kerber dismantles Maria Sharapova to roar into R4

This was billed as a blockbuster, but Maria Sharapova and Angelique Kerber's third round clash at the Australian Open on Saturday turned out to be quite a dud.

This was largely due to Sharapova's frustratingly erratic play. The Russian's hopes of a title-winning return to Melbourne Park were unceremoniously crushed by Kerber as the battle of the former champions ended 6-1 6-3 in the German's favour on Saturday.

The Rod Laver Arena evening clash between the only two Grand Slam winners left in the women's draw had the feel of a showpiece final rather than a third-round clash but it was Kerber who rose to the occasion.

Sharapova, back in Melbourne after testing positive for a banned substance here in 2016 resulting in a 15-month ban, had looked menacing in the opening two rounds. But Kerber, who plummeted down the rankings last year after finishing the year before at number one, broke her serve in the first game of the match and that set the tone for what followed.

She streaked away with the first set and although 2008 champion Sharapova briefly threatened a fightback after falling behind in the second, it was not to be the Russian's night. A fluffed drop shot attempt at 3-4 followed by an unforced error gave 2016 champion Kerber breathing space and she finished the contest in the next game.

Here are highlights

This one is worthy of a final! 

Super Saturday has delivered with two former #AusOpen champions set to do battle in the 3R on @RodLaverArena! pic.twitter.com/wXOE6cykPi

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

When you're in the middle of two Grand Slam champs and just have a total *pinch me* moment.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LVYmuHCD09

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

.@AngeliqueKerber must have a dinner reservation... 

Takes the first set 6-1 in under 30 minutes.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LfklLIJnXb

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

.@MariaSharapova starting to find her rhythm #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/sIk0xc3Lrw

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

Make that  wins in a row in 2018 for @AngeliqueKerber!

The 2016 champion sends a message to the rest of the tournament.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/QbXdVVW51y

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

Only one former #AusOpen champion remains...

Our 21st seed @AngeliqueKerber continues her impressive run of form to advance to the 4R d 2008 champion Maria #Sharapova 6-1 6-3 in 64mins. pic.twitter.com/ptYpISoGb5

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

"Everybody who knows me know that I never give up." @AngeliqueKerber is BACK!

She will play the winner of Su-Wei #Hsieh and Agnieszka #Radwanska in the 4R.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Ss6AnvKZh0

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2018

(Inputs from Reuters)