For you the tennis fan
Australia’s Ash Barty has lost to Russian wildcard Svetlana Kuznetsova. The former US and French Open champion winning the match 6-2, 6-4.
Kuznetsova was down 2-0 and stormed back to win six straight games to claim the first set.
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If Barty reached the final she would have returned to no. 1. As it is Naomi Osaka will hold onto the top spot.
Barty had a poor serving performance, serving at just 51% compared with 73% from her opponent.
USA’s Sofia Kenin has defeated world no. 1 Ash Barty in a round two match at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. The world no. 29 coming from behind to take the match 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4.
Kenin and simply was too good for Barty.
Kenin said, “I think today I wasn’t able to adapt quickly enough or well enough to play a match of the standard that I expect myself to play and I want myself to play. Sofia served today in the big moments. She served particularly well and got a lot of free points.
“I think these are courts where you need to be aggressive. You need to be confident and trust yourself and really hit through the ball, and today I didn’t have quite enough of that. And against a player like Sofia, who hits the ball so cleanly and so aggressive and takes it so early, that’s something you need.
“It wasn’t there today, but she played an exceptional match when she needed to, and in the big moments she played some really good stuff.”
Following the loss Barty’s world no. 1 ranking is at risk. The most recent world no. 1 Naomi Osaka just needs to defeat German qualifier Tatjana Maria in their round two match to retake the no. 1 ranking.
Depending on results, Karolina Pliskova could also take the no. 1 ranking.
Karolina Pliskova has shown just how well she can play on grass, defeating defending Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-4 to claim her second Eastbourne title.
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The first came two years ago where she would go onto Wimbledon and lose in the second round to Magdalena Rybarikova the world no. 87 at the time.
Despite the early exit, Pliskova would rise to no. 1 after Wimbledon.
This time heading into Wimbledon after winning the Eastbourne title, Pliskova is confident she will go further this year. The current world no. 3 has the 1994 Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez as her coach.
Could this be the edge she needs to go all the way and claim her first Grand Slam title.
Against Kerber the Czech player was in superb form. She was blasting winners and serving well to never let Kerber into the match.
Just two days earlier it was Kerber that was looking in great form as she defeated Simona Halep.
Pliskova opens her Wimbledon campaign on Monday against China’s Zhu Lin the world no. 101.
Kerber opens her title defence on Tuesday against fellow German and world no. 65 Tatjana Maria.
Defending Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber has not had the best of seasons in 2019.
She did show some good form at Indian Wells, losing in the final.
It has not been a stellar season for the world no. 5 as injury and illness has kept her off the court over recent times.
The German reached the semifinals in Mallorca last week as she started her grass court campaign where her aim is to hold on to her Wimbledon title.
In a round three match against another former world no. 1 and a fellow top-ten player Kerber came out firing against Simona Halep.
Kerber raced to an early lead as she broke Halep twice to be serving at 4-1. Halep was able to break back thanks to a few unforced errors from Kerber, but Kerber would hold on to take the first set 6-4.
As she had done in the first set, Kerber broke twice early to lead 3-0, again Halep broke back before Kerber settled and she raced to win the match 6-4, 6-3.
Kerber was playing near the peak of her game, hitting with more power and intensity than we have seen from her over recent months. Some of her down the line winners were vintage Kerber.
Next for Kerber is the unseeded Ons Jabeur from Tunisia.
Kerber aslo hit the shot of the day with this winner from out wide.
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty has defeated Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 to win the Birmingham Premier title. The win also secures the world no. 1 ranking when the rankings are updated on Monday, June 24.
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Barty becomes the 27th women to reach the top ranking and second Australian. She follows Evonne Goolagong Cawley who held the no. 1 ranking for two weeks back in 1976.
“It’s a dream come true to be the World No.1,” said Barty. “My team and I have put in so much work and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.
“It’s an honour to be in this position, which has been held by the legends of our sport who I respect and admire greatly.”
Barty also becomes the first women to claim three WTA singles titles in 2019 after winning in Miami and at the French Open. Her win streak also extends to 12.
“Ash and I have been together from day one of her tennis comeback and I have loved every minute of our partnership – the successful moments, the challenges and everything in between,” said Craig Tyzzer, coach of Ashleigh Barty.
“Over the last three years, Ash has grown as a person and as a player. What has stayed constant is her genuine, humble and respectful nature.
“She is a truly impressive person and deserves every success that comes her way. I couldn’t be prouder to be her coach.”
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Barty broke Goerges once in the first set to take the opening set.
Goerges broke early in the second set to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
Barty slowly worked her way back into the set, breaking back, but she then had to fight off a few break points against her serve.
The Australian got the key break in the 11th game before stepping up to serve out the match. She raced through the game to claim the title.
Barty hit 18 winners to 11 unforced errors, nine aces – including one on set point in the first set – and converted three of seven break point opportunities.
“Ash Barty is living proof that variety and finesse have a place in modern tennis, alongside power,” said WTA Legend Chris Evert, who was the first woman to hold World No.1 when the WTA instigated computer rankings in November 1975.
“As well as being an incredible player and consistent performer on the tour, she is a fantastic role model, respected by her WTA peers and fans around the world for her sportsmanship and humility. She is a champion in the best traditions, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Barty returned to tennis in 2016 after a break during which she played professional cricket. She was unranked. By December 2016 Barty was ranked at 272, a year later 17. December 2018 Barty was up to 15, and now she is no. 1.
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty had defeated two-time Birmingham finalist Barbora Strycova 6-4, 6-4 and advances to the final for her second time.
The win sees Barty sit just two rankings points off of the no. 1 spot, a win tomorrow will send her to the top of women’s tennis.
After winning the French Open just a few weeks ago, Barty has quickly adjusted to grass and is gaining in confidence with each outing, although she did come up with some sloppy unforced errors.
Both players were moving well on the grass court, but it was Barty that played the big points the best.
Barty faced five break points, saving all of them, some with some Aces. Strycova had four against her, but Barty was able to convert one in each set to give her the winning edge.
The Australian perhaps hit the shot of the tournament when playing a lunge volley in the first set. The ball ballooned over the net and hit the line with vicious spin to take the ball away from Strycova who could not believe what she saw.
Barty earned her first break point in the third game after a heavy forehand saw Strycova toss up a lob that landed close to the net for Barty to smash to the open court.
The service return on break point was hit wide to keep Strycova in the game. She would hold to lead 2-1.
The world no. 2 was able to break in the fifth game. The break point came after Barty forced her opponent into a half-volley that sailed long for 15-40. A double fault gave Barty the break.
In the next game it was Barty hitting long to hand Strycova two break points. Barty used good court coverage to save the first, then a big first serve saved the second. Barty would hold.
From there, games went with serve to see Barty win the opening set.
The key break came in the ninth game of the second set. Barty was brought forward by a Strycova drop shot that sat up. Barty hit deep then won the point with a volley. Barty claimed the break when she saw her opponent hit a volley wide.
Barty served two Aces in the next game to help her jump out to 40-15. Another Ace missed by millimetres, that would have sealed the win.
An unforced error from Barty saw the score at 40-30, but then Strycova hit long after several deep shots from Barty to give the Australian the win and have her poised to take the no. 1 ranking.
Standing in Barty’s way will be her doubles partner from this week, German Julia Goerges who defeated Croatia’s Petra Martic 6-4, 6-3.
Goerges was a semifinalist at Wimbledon in 2018, so will be a tough opponent for the Australian. The head-to-head is 1-1. Barty winning most recently on hard court in Zhuhai, China and Goerges defeating Barty in the round of 16 in Birmingham in 2018.
After a slow start against Venus Williams, Ash Barty has stormed back to advance to the semifinals in Birmingham. That now sees the Australian two wins from claiming the no. 1 ranking in women’s tennis which could follow on from her French Open title.
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Barty held to love in her first service game but hit wide off a forehand to give Venus to break points in the fourth game.
Venus converted with the shot of the match as she reached behind her to pull the ball back across court for a winner. Venus consolidated the break to lead 4-1.
Barty then surged back to win the next five games and claim the first set. Venus was up 40-15 in the seventh game before conceding the break.
The world no. 2 held for 4-4 then another break came against Venus to see Barty serving for the set. Barty held one set point at 40-30 and had Venus stranded at the net, but the Australian hit the ball into the net.
A good wide first serve followed and Venus pushed the return back down the middle, Barty stepped-in to hit a forehand winner to have another set point.
A long rally followed and Venus worked her way to the net. A lob by Barty sailed long to again not close out the set after a 20 shot rally.
A double fault gave Venus a break back point. A shot just over the baseline saw that chance disappear. Great movement by Barty saw her earn another set point. A shot from Venus clipped the net and Barty reacted quickly to hit a winner. An Ace sealed the set 6-4.
Venus served at 60 % to Barty’s 52 % in the first set. Barty hit 10 winners to two from Venus and the Australian hit 12 unforced errors to 17 from her opponent.
In the second set, Venus held serve in the opening game to end the run of 5 straight games for Barty.
Barty had a break point in the third game and Venus conceded the break when serving a double fault. The no. 2 seed held to lead 3-1.
Venus was up 40-0 in the seventh game and hit a backhand winner to take the game. She slowly walked to her chair.
Barty held in the next game to lead 5-3. At deuce in the next game Venus was at the net and in a good position, Barty’s passing shot was covered by Williams but clipped the net. Venus reacted to get her racquet on the ball, but it fell into the net to give Barty a match point.
A shot just wide saw Barty miss that opportunity to close out the match. Barty had another chance after seeing Venus hit into the net. Barty brought up her 10th consecutive victory after Venus sprayed a shot wide.
Barty took the match 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 25 minutes.
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“I feel like every match is getting a little bit better and better on the grass, and it’s just nice to give myself another opportunity to get on the grass courts and to play another singles match,” Barty said in her post-match press conference.
“It’s always a privilege to play against a champion like Venus,” Barty added. “She’s done incredible things for our sport. She’s inspired generations to pick up a tennis racquet. Any time you get to play against her, it’s a real privilege.”
The Australian was moving well, hitting the right shot at the right time and now faces Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic who had earlier defeated Kristyna Pliskova.
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Barty ended the match with 21 winners to 11 and she had 25 unforced errors to 28 from Venus Williams.
The other semifinal sees Barty’s doubles partner for Birmingham, Julia Goerges take on Croatia’s Petra Martic.
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Barty and Goerges are also still in the doubles competition and play Anna-Lena Groenefeld from Germany and Demi Schuurs from the Netherlands.
Australia’s Ash Barty has defeated USA’s, Jennifer Brady 6-3, 6-1 to stay on track to become world no. 1.
Barty’s cause was helped by Yulia Putintseva who defeated Naomi Osaka the current world no. 1 6-2, 6-3.
“I was expecting a tough battle, which is what happened, and the score doesn’t tell the fight that was there,” Putintseva said in her post-match press conference. “So many games went deuce, advantage, and I could have lost those, but in the end I won them. I’m happy to get through and another win on grass.”
As Osaka won her first round match, Barty now needs to win the Birmingham title to claim the no. 1 ranking. If Barty reaches the final but loses, she will fall two rankings points short of the top spot.
In the match against Brady it was tight for the first few games. Brady presented Barty with two break points after she double-faulted in the opening game. She would fight back to hold serve.
Barty easily held serve early in the match and then had another look at a break point in the fifth game after Brady hit a backhand long. A double-fault conceded the first break of serve.
The world no. 2 consolidated the break to lead 4-2. In the next service game from Brady, Barty hit a slice backhand passing shot to bring up another break point. A backhand slice return into the net saw that disappear. Brady would serve an Ace to hold serve to see Barty serving next at 4-3.
With Brady serving to stay in the first set it was a forehand winner then another big forehand that forced an error from Brady that gave Barty two set points. Brady hit into the net to concede the first set.
Barty opened the second set by holding serve, then the players were sent to the locker room with Brady serving at 40-30 as rain fell in Birmingham. When play resumed Brady held serve for 1-1.
After Barty held again it was Brady serving at 1-2 and after she hit long the American was facing a break point. Barty played great defence and tossed up a lob that Brady mishit into the net when attempting a smash.
Brady had a look at a break point after Barty hit just wide at 30-30. Brady then also just missed the sideline to see that opportunity slip away.
That would be the only break opportunity for Brady in the match. After holding Barty was up 4-1. In the next Brady service game Barty had two break points after Brady hit over the baseline. The break was converted after Brady again hit long.
Barty then wrapped up the match.
French Open champion Ash Barty opened her grass court season with a win against last week’s beaten Nottingham finalist Donna Vekic.
Barty faced break points in her opening service game but was able to fight them off to take the first set.
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The Australian is a chance to end the week as world no. 1 if the results go her way.
Since winning the French Open, Barty has played a round of golf at The Belfry before getting back to business in Birmingham.
In the opening set, Barty broke Vekic twice to take the first set 6-3. She was broken once by the Croatian.
The second set was much the same with Barty going up two breaks of serve before Vekic kept in the match by breaking Barty when the Australian first served for the match at 5-2.
After letting Vekic keep in the match, Barty was able to serve it out on her second attempt to complete a 6-3, 6-4 victory.
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Barty looked pretty good in her first match since winning her first Grand Slam tournament in Paris. She hit 21 winners to 14 unforced errors. Vekic had 19 winners and 18 unforced errors.
Next for Barty is a round two match against USA’s Jennifer Brady, the world no. 66.
After Australia’s Ashleigh Barty claimed her first Grand Slam title in Paris, she sits at no. 2 in the rankings.
If Barty reaches the semifinals and current world no. 1 Naomi Osaka loses her first round match against Greece’s Maria Sakkari the Australian will take the no. 1 spot.
A title win for Barty with Osaka losing in the semis or before will also see Barty take the top ranking in tennis.
In will cap off a remarkable six months for Barty if she does achieve the top ranking, but I am sure she is following the one match at a time adage.
Barty got her 2019 WTA tour campaign underway at the Sydney International where she started the year ranked at no. 15. She would lose the final to Petra Kvitova.
During a media event on Sydney Harbour before the Sydney International Barty said her aim for the year was to get inside the top 10. She now has to rethink that goal.
The strong showing in Sydney was followed up by Barty reaching her first Grand Slam quarterfinal losing again to Kvitova.
The world took notice of Barty when she went all the way to claim the Premier Mandatory title in Miami at one of the biggest tournaments outside of the Grand Slams.
That win back in March took Barty inside of the top-ten. She reached the quarterfinals in Madrid at the start of May, and the round of 16 in Rome, before winning in Paris.
