Barty’s clash with teenage star key to result of tie

AUSTRALIA’S Fed Cup tie fortunes against Ukraine may hinge on Ashleigh Barty’s reverse singles showdown with teen star Marta Kostyuk after a mixed day for the home side in Canberra.

The Australians split yesterday’s opening singles matches 1-1 with Barty ( pictured) claim- ing a tense first-up clash with Lyudmyla Kichenok 4-6 6-1 6-4 after surviving an early scare.

But world No.26 Daria Gavrilova didn’t fare so well, going down to the prodigious Kostyuk in straight sets.

The 15-year-old took the first after an incredible eight breaks of serve, including seven in a row, and grew in confidence as the match went on. In the end, Gavrilova was comprehensively outgunned 7-6 (7-3) 6-3.

Captain Alicia Molik said she was confident Gavrilova could bounce back from the “shocker”.

Australia started out heavy favourites, with Ukraine missing world No.3 Elina Svitolina and 15-year-old Kostyuk the team’s highest ranked player at 185. Barty said nerves played a role as she took to the court for her first Fed Cup singles rubber on home soil.

“I said to Mol (Australian captain Alicia Molik) straight after the national anthem, ‘Mate I’ve got goosebumps’,” Barty said.

Molik said today’s battle between Barty and Kostyuk would be fascinating.

“You’ve got a player (Barty) who’s dealt with a lot of pressure and expectations and plays a mature game,” she said.