Rain has stopped play for a second time in Angelique Kerber’s quarter-final with Petra Kvitova at the Sydney International.

Sydney’s wet week continued at Homebush on Thursday, with players forced from the court for 50 minutes in just the second service game, before returning briefly.

However the rain returned less than 15 minutes later, with Kerber holding two break points at 2-2 in the first set.

It comes after Monday’s play was delayed by wet weather, while Tuesday night’s action was also washed out.

World No.2 Kerber is aiming to defend the title she won against Australian Ashleigh Barty last summer, and on Wednesday beat Camila Giorgi in straight sets to reach the final eight.

Meanwhile World No.8 Kvitova has not dropped a set in either of her wins to reach the quarter-finals.

There is still one more match to be played on Ken Rosewall Arena on Thursday night following the women’s clash, with Australian John Millman to face Gilles Simon in the men’s quarter-final.