Ashleigh Barty ‘hangs in there’ and overcomes second-set slump to reach Australian Open quarters

Australian Open
Ashleigh Barty excited

World No 1 Ashleigh Barty avoided a fourth-round exit from the Australian Open as she overcame an error-riddled second set to beat Alison Riske.

The Roland Garros champion had the early upper hand as she broke twice to take the opening set, but lost her way in the second set to win only one game. However, she found her groove again in the decider with two breaks to claim the 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory.
Australian Barty also needed three sets to defeat Lesia Tsurenko from the Ukraine in her opener earlier in the week.

“It was third time the charm for me last week and it was third time tonight as well,” the 23-year-old said.

“I just had to hang in there and try and give myself a chance.”

Up next is two-time Grand Slam winner Petra Kvita after the Czech battled past Greek Maria Sakkari, winning 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-2.

“I love Petra, but let’s hope she doesn’t break my heart again on Tuesday. It’s been an incredible year for me the past 12 months,” Barty said.

“It’s been amazing. I’m just really excited to get another opportunity in a quarterfinal of a Grand Slam, you don’t get those every week, so I’m really excited.”

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Ashleigh Barty

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