Ash is a smash hit
Barty into Sydney final, eyes Australian Open
ASHLEIGH Barty has described her dream run into the Sydney International final as the perfect preparation for next week’s Australian Open grand slam.
Barty yesterday became the first Australian in 13 years to advance to the Sydney final after toppling compatriot Daria Gavrilova in three sets.
“It’s nice to make a final at home, but I think in my eyes it’s perfect preparation for next week,” Barty said after her win.
The country’s No. 1 female shook off an early serving funk to come back from two sets down and set up a decider against former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber or qualifier Camila Giorgi.
Barty, ranked No. 19 in the world, held serve just once in the first set but found her groove thereafter as the 25thranked Gavrilova slowly struggled in the heat.
Gavrilova’s frustration spilt over in the ninth game of the second set when, after coming back from 3-0 down to level at 4-4, she received a code violation for cracking her racquet.
“I shot myself in the foot with my serving in the first and didn’t give myself an opportunity to be dominant on service games,” Barty said.
“Against Dash, she’s a world-class returner and puts pressure on you right from the get-go. For me, it was nice to find the rhythm eventually but (I) would definitely like to see it a little bit earlier.
“I’m still able to win tennis matches. I think even though it may not be perfect at the mo- ment, it’s still good enough to win matches.”
Barty also welcomed the pressure of entering the season’s opening major as Australia’s highest-ranked female and 18th seed.
The Ipswich product opens her campaign against Belarusian and world No. 69 Aryna Sabalenka in a quarter of the draw that could lead to a possible third-round match against world No. 16 Elena Vesnina.
World No. 1 Simona Halep could await in the round of 16, however Barty said she had learnt from the home expectations usually placed for former US Open champion Samantha Stosur.
“Everyone is going through a different stage in their career, and obviously this is a first for me. Even last year was very much a first throughout the whole year,” she said.
“We have set up a perfect platform for me to work with this year to try and go deep in tournaments, whether it’s in Australia or in Europe or in the States.
“There is nothing better than playing at home, playing in front of a home crowd.
“Regardless whether you’re No. 1, No. 10, or No. 100 in the world, it’s the best feeling for an Australian to be playing at the Australian Open.”