Ashleigh Barty is through to the Australian Open semi-finals after beating Petra Kvitova 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 in Melbourne. The world number one is looking to bring the Australian Open title back to the host country since Chris O’Neil in 1978.
The matchup between Ashleigh Barty and Petra Kvitova was like a re-run of last year’s Australian Open quarter match between the two in which Petra Kvitova won 6-1 6-4. This time Barty was able to turn the tables and emerge victoriously this time in Melbourne.
With all the hype on the Australian Open as well as being the face of the Australian Open 2020, Barty has expressed how she would like nothing else but to ” be sitting at home just living my quiet little life.” pressure and fame are the prices to pay for success as Australia’s last hope to bring the women’s Australian Open title back to home soil progresses through the tournament.
Kvitova definitely put the pressure on Barty in their first set which saw the 23-year-old battle it out in the seventh game of the set.
Barty will now play American 14th seed Sofia Kenin in the semi-finals. Although having won 4 out of their last five encounters, Barty is not underestimating her opponent having already witnessed the fall of 6 of the women’s top 10 players dropping out of the competition in the third round.
“She’s an exceptional competitor, loves to put herself out there, test herself on the biggest stage,”
“She has a great knack of controlling the court from the centre of the court and being that first-strike player.
“It’s going to be important for me to try and nullify that if I can.” Barty said when explaining her approach to the upcoming semi-final match.
