Australia’s Ash Barty had not advanced past the second round at the French Open at five previous attempts.
This year she reached the third round and has now moved into new territory as she booked a second week of tennis in Paris.
This came after defeating Germany’s Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 6-1 in a match lasting exactly one hour.
“It took a little while to get used to the conditions, a little bit with the light, the spin of the court,” Barty said, in her post-match press conference. “Obviously, the weather here can change how the courts played dramatically. So I think it took some time to adjust. But once I got my feet used to the court, it was much better today.”
“When I’ve been able to execute my game, I’ve been able to win some matches in business-like fashion, but they’re certainly not easy matches, that’s for sure,” Barty stated. “I feel like I’m playing well and being able to execute to make the score lines look a little easier than the match actually is.”
Next for Barty is a match against the conqueror of Serena Williams, Sofia Kenin from the USA.
Kenin is currently ranked at no. 35 and the head-to-head sees Barty ahead 2-0 after the Australian won on clay in Charlston in 2018 and during the Fed Cup earlier this year, both matches won in straight sets.
“Serena is such a tough player,” Kenin said, in her post-match press conference. “I’m still trying to process what just happened. I knew before the match, I was ready to go. I was there to win a match. Of course she’s a true champion and an inspiration and she’s done amazing things for American tennis. I’m just really happy with this win. I played really well, and I’m just excited for my next match.”
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