Top seed Ash Barty continued her quest for a maiden WTA title on home soil with a comprehensive win in the quarter-finasls of the Adelaide International.
The world No.1 dropped only six games during her 6-3, 6-3, win over Czech Republic’s Markéta Vondroušová. Who was playing in her first tournament since June due to a wrist injury. Barty managed to find a way to dismantle her opponent’s serve as the match progressed. Breaking once in the opening set and a further three times in the second. Extending her perfect head-to-head record against Vondroušová to 4-0.
“It was really nice to see Marketa back out here. She’s had an injury right after the French Open. She’s a really nice girl.” Barty said in tribute to her rival.
“I know our matches are always played in the right way. They are always tough.” She added.
The encounter was a rematch of last year’s French Open final. Where the 23-year-old Australian also prevailed in straight sets to clinch her maiden grand slam title. In their latest clash, Barty produced 20 winners alongside 19 unforced errors.
Despite the victory, the home favourite believes there is still room for improvement. Last week she lost her opening match at the Brisbane International, but has managed to turn her fortunes around in Adelaide. Prior to Vondrousova, she also drowned Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets.
“I think it’s (my form) getting better and better.” She said. “There were times in the match where I wanted to be a bit tighter and clinical, but all in all it’s good to be back here generating opportunities for myself (on the court).”
Awaiting Barty in the last four will be Danielle Collins, who stunned the tour 12 months ago with a run to the Australian Open semifinals on her debut. The American was in ruthless form as she crushed fourth seed Belinda Bencic 6-3, 6-1. Recording her second win over a top 10 player this season after Elina Svitolina last week.
“Danielle is an exceptional ball striker. She has the ability to take the match out of your hands very quickly.” Barty previewed.
“She’s very aggressive off the first return and first strike so I have to put my running shoes on and might sure I bring some variety (to the match) tomorrow.”
There was disappointment for Simona Halep in her quarter-final match. The reigning Wimbledon champion failed to tame Belarussian star Aryan Sabalenka as she tumbled out of the draw 6-4, 6-2. Throughout the match Halep struggled with her own serve. Winning only 55% of points compared to Sabalenka’s tally of 59%.
“I knew she’ll fight until the end — it doesn’t matter what the score. When the score was 5-Love, I kind of expected that she’ll try to do everything she can to come back in the match,” wtatennis.com quoted Sabalenka as saying.
“I wasn’t really disappointed after that two games. That helped me to stay in the match and to not lose my mind. I’m happy with this win, especially against big fighters like Simona and the great players. [It] feels good.”
Halep now heads into the Australian Open playing just two competitive singles matches this month.
Meanwhile, conqueror Sabalenka has booked a showdown with Dayana Yastremska on Friday. Yastremska defeated Donna Vekic 6-4, 6-3.
