Barty serves up masterclass in Adelaide
Darren Walton |
Ash Barty has continued his sizzling summer start with a straight-sets rout of 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
Barty delivered a serving masterclass to storm into the semi-finals of the Adelaide International with a comprehensive 6-3 6-4 victory over the free-hitting American on Friday.
Australia’s world No.1 showcased her full array of shots in the 68-minute clinic, her signature backhand slice and powerful forehand drive both on song.
But it was Barty’s deadly serve that most impressed and left Kenin with no hope of competing with the top seed at Memorial Drive.
As well as hammering down 17 aces, Barty won an extraordinary 31 of 32 points after landing her first serve.
She was 16 from 16 in the first set alone, more than enough to take the set after breaking Kenin in a marathon sixth game.
There was no let-up as Barty broke Kenin in the opening game of the second set, continued to slam down aces and eventually secured victory after barely an hour.
The win offered Barty a semblance of revenge for her shattering semi-final loss in the Australian Open semi-finals two years ago.
That day, with her cherished home grand slam trophy within her clutches, Barty served for both sets only for Kenin to triumph 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 before going on on to defeat Garbine Muguruza in the final.
Champion in Adelaide in 2020, Barty next plays either two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka or titleholder Iga Swiatek on Saturday.
AAP