The German took just 58 minutes to dispatch the young Australian 6-1 6-0 on Rod Laver Arena on Friday night.

Birrell, who had beaten her first top 10 player a couple of weeks ago in Brisbane, put up a fight against the former Australian Open champion. 

She was able to hit shots harder than Kerber and matched her groundstrokes but defensively the 20-year-old wildcard was outclassed.

Kerber put her under constant pressure but after 13 minutes, the German found herself 3-0 up in the first set.

The world no.2 was full of praise for Birrell in her press conference.

"If she's playing like this or like she played the last few days and weeks, I'm thinking she will have a good future."

Kerber will now face American Danielle Collins in the fourth round after her upset win against Caroline Garcia.