Julia Goerges upstaged top seed and former world number one Caroline Wozniacki to claim the Auckland Open in straight sets on Sunday.

Second seed Goerges stepped up her Australian Open preparations with a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory in the final of the WTA International tournament.

Wozniacki was the favourite to win the event but the Danish star felt the effects of Saturday's schedule, which featured back-to-back matches en route to the decider due to persistent Auckland rain. 

Goerges looked fresher, with the red-hot German securing her third successive title and 14th consecutive victory, having ended 2017 with wins in Moscow and Zhuhai.

The Auckland Open remains elusive for Wozniacki, who is now a two-time runner-up.

"She played really well today, and she had a great end to last season too, so it's good to see her bringing that form into this year," Wozniacki said during the trophy presentation. "I'll try to get my revenge in Australia!"