Barty wary of ‘unknown’ Czech giant killer
DARREN WALTON QUEENSLANDER Ashleigh Barty is on guard against a US Open ambush as she plots to break her third-round jinx and reach the second week of a grand slam for the first time.
The 22-year-old will rarely get a better chance but is refusing to count her chickens in the increasingly unpredictable world of women’s tennis.
Barty has cruised into the last 32 with authoritative wins over Ons Jabeur and Lucie Safarova and will start a shortpriced favourite when she takes on little-known Karolina Muchova this morning.
But Australia’s 18th seed is wary of the Czech qualifier, who announced her arrival on the big stage with a stunning prime-time win over former world No.1 and dual grand slam champion Garbine Muguruza.
Contesting her maiden major, Muchova’s victory from a set down on Louis Armstrong Stadium was only her second at WTA level and had Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer and Tennis Australia’s performance analyser Darren McMurtrie poring over footage of the world No.202.
“It sounds terrible but I’ve never seen her name in a draw,” Barty said.
“To be honest, I’ve never seen her. I couldn’t even tell you what she looks like in the locker room, which is poor on my behalf.”
After four unsuccessful attempts in her past seven slams – including last year in New York – to break the thirdround barrier, Barty is desperate to crack the last 16 at a major.
“I’ve had a few third rounds now and would love to go to a fourth round and to get past that hurdle,” she said.
“But you’ve got to keep putting yourself in that position to give yourself that chance.”