Ash better than ever but coach sees threat
ASHLEIGH Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer says the world champion is now a significantly better player than when the Queenslander won the French Open in June
But, in a stark warning ahead of the world No.1’s Australian Open semi-final clash with powerful counter-puncher Sofia Kenin, Tyzzer places little store in Barty’s 4-1 record against the American.
Asked how much Barty has progressed as a competitor since the watershed Roland Garros success, Tyzzer said: “She has improved significantly. In her self-belief oncourt, experience in big matches and fighting spirit.”
Currently on a nine-match winning streak, Barty has employed her tactical acumen to the full over the past 10 days, finding solutions in the face of failure.
With wins over Lesia Tsurenko, Polona Hercog, Elena Rybakina, Alison Riske and Petra Kvitova, Barty has met – and conquered – a string of perilous challenges.
Kenin is the epitome of the successful modern player: fearless, hard-hitting and relentless.
Regarded as one of the sport’s premier analysts, WTA Tour coach of the year Tyzzer will not place any relevance on Barty’s four wins against Kenin, especially the French Open rollercoaster.
“Not really, no,” he said. “The match is on a completely different surface and Ash has played her more recently (losing) in Toronto.
“We will look at more recent matches to develop the game plan.”
The first Australian woman to reach the semi-finals since Wendy Turnbull 36 years ago, Barty has complete faith in Tyzzer.
“Tyz’ is very precise in what he has seen from previous matches, what he's looked at into our opponents,” Barty said.
“Also a little bit of it is just discussion that we have back and forth. He’s the best at what he does for a reason.
“It’s certainly nice having him in my corner because I feel like he could probably pick me apart pretty easily.”
Bidding to become the first Australian – woman or man – to win the Open since Chris O’Neil in 1978, Barty knows what to expect from Kenin.
“She’s an exceptional competitor,” Barty said.
“Loves to put herself out there, test herself on the biggest stage. Have played her a number of times now, with some results going both ways.
“She has a great knack of controlling the court from the centre and being that firststrike player. It’s going to be important for me to try and nullify that if I can.”
Simona Halep, who could potentially face Barty in Saturday’s final, admires the Australian’s game.
“I think she’s improving in everything. She has a great form now,” she said.
“The slice is amazing for the girl's game. She's serving well, even if she's not very tall.”