BIG-NOISE BARTY WANTS QUIET LIFE
ASH BARTY will carry the hopes of a nation into the Australian Open semi-finals – but the world No.1 claimed she would rather be at home “just living my quiet little life”.
The French Open champion survived a first-set barrage from Petra Kvitova – and saved eight break points – before winning 7-6 6-2. With Nick Kyrgios out, 23-year-old Barty is the only home hope to be the first winner here since Chris
O’Neil in 1978 – with the hype to match. But Barty, who is on a nine-match winning streak, said: “I don’t pay attention to it. I’m here to try and do the best I can. Obviously, it’s exciting.
“Hopefully, I can bring a smile to a few faces in our country and the world.
“But I’d prefer to be sitting at home just living my quiet little life. I mean, no offence, but not having to chat to you guys in the media every day would be pretty good.”
MARTINA NAVRATILOVA and John McEnroe (right) yesterday demanded that the Margaret Court Arena be renamed.
The two legends held a banner reading: “Evonne Goolagong Arena” after Navratilova’s legends doubles match at Melbourne Park’s 1573 Arena.
But Navratilova’s speech from the umpire’s chair was cut short when the microphone was turned off. And the pair could have their accreditation withdrawn. Court, 77, is in Melbourne celebrating the 50th anniversary of her calendar-year Grand Slam. But her Christian views on same-sex marriage and transgender athletes have led to calls for the arena named in her honour to be re-branded.