Barty TV tennis balls-up
EVEN Nick Kyrgios was puzzled why Channel 7 decided to show his match over Ash Barty’s clash, as angry fans hit out at the broadcaster.
The network’s commitment to women’s sport was being questioned yesterday after the snub of Australia’s first female number one player in almost 50 years.
News Corp sent detailed questions to Seven and was awaiting a response.
Channel 7 recently lost the rights to the Australian Open tennis to Channel 9 but still has the rights to Wimbledon.
Seven had Wimbledon on only one channel throughout the evening, swapping from Seven Two to the main channel. Kyrgios said he was surprised Channel 7 only showed one match after being asked about the controversy.
Barty, 23, the first Australian woman to reach the number one ranking since 1976, was playing China’s Zheng Saisai at the same time as Kyrgios lined against fellow Australian Jordan Thompson.
Barty was diplomatic when asked about the scheduling after her straight sets victory.
“How do you want me to answer that one?” she said. The Queenslander won 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 16 minutes.
Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase Hakuna Matata! Ain’t no passing craze It means no worries For the rest of your days It’s our problem-free philosophy Hakuna Matata! ASHLEIGH Barty has dismissed concerns over external pressures and serving efficiency as the world No.1 bids to capitalise on a seed-free run to Wimbledon’s fourth round.
Defeats of former champions Garbine Muguruza and Maria Sharapova rob the championship of star power, but simplify Barty’s challenge.
Barty oozes confidence and calm ahead of a second-round clash with Belgian Alison van Uytvanck, batting away fears her serve is susceptible.
“My serve was there when I needed it,” she said after rolling China’s Zheng Saisai on Tuesday night.
“In big points it was there. It’s certainly no stress for me.
“My serve is not something I ever really worry about.”
Barty’s 13th straight win cements her hold on the world No.1 ranking and underlined the benefit of a clear thought process.
The Queenslander is channelling The Lion King as she attempts to become the first Australian since Evonne Goolagong in 1971 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same season.
“Kind of came into it thinking kind of like Hakuna Matata, just relax and go for it,” she said, referencing the carefree philosophy in the musical and film.
“The only pressure I have is what I put on myself, making sure I’m doing all the right things, preparing in the right way.
“Ultimately when we play our matches, we go out there and enjoy it. That's why we do all the work, all the practices, to go out there and enjoy competing.
“Play each match as it comes. There’s certainly no extra stresses on any match.
“I’ve played Alison before on hard courts. Haven’t played her on the grass. She has the ability to take the game away from you pretty early in rallies.
“It will be important for me to neutralise the best that I can and bring variety into the match, as well.”
Sam Stosur and Arina Rodionova fell at the first hurdle, as 26th seed Muguruza was upset by Beatriz Haddad Maia, of Brazil.
Sharapova retired with left forearm soreness when trailing Pauline Parmentier 4-6, 7-6, (7-4) 5-0.