CINCINNATI (AFP) - Daniil Medvedev took quick revenge on Friday (Aug 20) for his Olympic loss to Pablo Carreno Busta, with the top seed at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters delivering a crushing 6-1, 6-1 verdict. The Russian world number two had it all his way into the semi-finals with a 56-minute rout, which ended on the Spaniard’s double-fault. Women’s top seed Ashleigh Barty recovered from being down a break in the second set to sweep past fellow French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-2, 6-4. The Australian handed her Czech opponent only a third loss since mid-May. Krejicikova won Roland Garros in June while Barty claimed the Paris title in 2019 and Wimbledon this season. “I feel like I did a good job looking after my own serves,” Barty said. “For all but one service game, I felt like a lot of the time I was in control. “It was just staying patient, knowing that I was doing the right things.” Medvedev, last week’s Toronto champion, won his eighth match in a row as he prepares for a final four contest against compatriot Andrey Rublev. Fourth seed Rublev defeated France’s Benoit Paire 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 with the Russian advancing to his fourth Masters 1000 quarter-final in six tournaments this season. Medvedev has won all four tour matches against Rublev, including the quarters here in 2019 when Medvedev went on to win the title. The Medvedev domination of Carreno Busta was total with the Spaniard never earning a break point while losing serve five times. Medvedev finished with 20 winners and seven unforced errors. In Saturday’s semi-finals, Barty will face German Angelique Kerber, who advanced 6-4, 3-3 when Czech opponent Petra Kvitova retired with gastric illness. After winning the opening set in 32 minutes over Krejcikova, Barty fell behind a break in the second. But the deficit was quickly closed as Barty broke her opponent’s final two service games of the match. Barty advanced with seven aces and four breaks of serve in the 72-minute victory. The Aussie is level 3-3 in her series with Kerber, beating the three-time Grand Slam winner in their most recent match, a Wimbledon semi-final last month. “Even on days where she’s not playing her best tennis, she finds a way to scrap and fight and stay in matches and give herself an opportunity,” Barty said of Kerber. “Angie’s one of the best competitors in the world. She knows how to play big tournaments, knows how to play big matches.”
MONTREAL (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty, Angelique Kerber and US star Venus Williams have withdrawn from next month's WTA Montreal tournament, Tennis Canada announced on Thursday (July 29). However, organisers also said that two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep of Romania will enter the field, replacing Williams as a wildcard entry. Barty is coming off a singles title at Wimbledon, her second Grand Slam crown after the 2019 French Open. "My team and I have made the decision to withdraw to have a few weeks to rest and recover from the heavy schedule of the last month," Barty said. "While it saddens me that I won't be able to go this year, I fully intend to come back when the tour returns to Montreal in 2023." Barty was defeated in the first round of the Tokyo Olympics this week but has reached the semi-finals of the mixed doubles with John Peers. Three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber, ranked 21st, said she needed more time to prepare for a return to conmpetition while 109th-ranked Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, cited health reasons, Tennis Canada said. "We're obviously disappointed that Ashleigh, Angelique and Venus will not be with us this year. They are exceptionally talented players," Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre said. "On the other hand, we're very excited we will once again host Simona in Montreal. We still have 18 players from the top 20." Tenth-ranked Halep, who won titles at Montreal in 2016 and 2018, has been sidelined since the Italian Open with a calf injury. "I'm really looking forward to coming back to Montreal," Halep said. "I've been working hard to prepare for the North American swing." Kerber and Williams pulling out opened spots in the main draw for American Danielle Collins and Australian Ajla Tomljanovic. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Djokovic romps into last four as Bencic reaches Olympic final Related Story Olympics: Naomi Osaka crashes out of tennis tournament
LONDON (REUTERS) - World number one Ash Barty outclassed compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic 6-1 6-3 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals on Friday (July 6) and set up a meeting with 2018 champion Angelique Kerber. In the first all-Australian women's Grand Slam quarter-final since the 1980 Wimbledon championships, the 25-year-old Barty produced a calm and composed display on Centre Court. Tomljanovic had battled past British wildcard Emma Raducanu the night before to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final, but was nowhere to be seen in a one-sided first set. But the 28-year-old did make more of a match of it in the second, breaking the Barty serve twice. Barty always had another level though and ended Tomljanovic's resistance in little over an hour. "Ajla is an incredible competitor - I've played with her a lot, I've practised with her, all Aussies back home are proud of her and it was bloody nice to share the court with her today," top seed Barty, who had made the singles quarter-finals at the All England Club for the first time, said on court. "This is a dream come true. I know you hear that a lot but this is my dream and I'm extremely grateful to have an opportunity to live out what I love to do this afternoon." Barty has made no secret of her desire to win her first Wimbledon title, 50 years after Evonne Goolagong, who also has indigenous Australian heritage, won her first title. She wears an elegant Fila trailblazer outfit modelled on Goolagong's and her stylish all-court game would not have looked out of place in any era. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Pliskova blasts 'brutal' critics after storming into first Wimbledon semi-final Related Story Tennis: Sports figures defend British teen sensation Raducanu over Wimbledon exit Barty won the French Open in 2019, becoming the first Australian to do so since Margaret Court in 1973. But despite winning the Wimbledon girls title in 2011, she has not always produced her best on the London lawns. There is a growing confidence about Barty this time, however, although 33-year-old left-hander Kerber represents a daunting semi-final obstacle. "The ultimate test - Angie's had success here before. I love that match-up. She knows her way around this court and I know I need to play well to give myself a chance in that match," Barty, who has dropped only one set so far, said. Barty was in cruise control in the opening set as her variety of spins and angles flummoxed the world number 75. To her credit Tomljanovic managed to make some inroads in the second set, breaking in the first game and then again to drag herself back from 4-1 down. But Barty was not in the mood for overtime and got the job done in efficient fashion without needing top gear, serving a couple of aces as she held for victory. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Former champion Kerber eases past Muchova into Wimbledon semi-finals Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka outguns Jabeur to reach Wimbledon semi-finals
MADRID (AFP) - Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka stunned world number one Ashleigh Barty to win the Madrid Open for the first time on Saturday (May 8). Sabalenka was beaten by Barty in the final in Stuttgart last month but exacted revenge at the Caja Magica, a storming 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 victory clinching the biggest title of her career. The 23-year-old has never gone past the fourth round at a Grand Slam but on this evidence she will be among the contenders at the French Open, which starts in Paris later this month. This was Sabalenka's 10th career title but her first on clay and it will see her rise to number four in the world rankings on Monday. Barty was the heavy favourite heading into the final, especially after beating Sabalenka in Stuttgart last month, also on clay, in a match that also went to three sets. The Australian appeared to have recovered from a chastening opening set, after levelling up in the second and then leading 4-3, 30-15 on Sabalenka's serve in the decider. But her opponent never gave in and produced a brilliant finish by winning the last 11 consecutive points to hand Barty her first defeat on red clay since 2019 in Rome. "To be honest after the final in Stuttgart, I was injured, I couldn't move and wanted to withdraw," Sabalenka said on court afterwards. "But the recovery was good, in four days I feel better and now I'm the champion. It's been an amazing week." Barty will still be one of the favourites at Roland Garros, where the Australian won her first Grand Slam title in 2019. Her route to the final in Madrid included beating reigning French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the round of 16. After losing the second set 6-0 in Stuttgart, Sabalenka took some revenge by delivering the same punishment to Barty, in a whirlwind opening frame. Barty was blown away by her opponent's relentless hitting from the back, especially off the forehand wing, as three breaks sealed the set for Sabalenka, who conceded only four points on serve. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Zverev to play Berrettini in Madrid Open final Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka takes third straight title with Abu Dhabi win But Barty finally gained a foothold with a break in the first game of the second, a Sabalenka backhand floating long to shift the momentum in her favour. Sabalenka curled a forehand into the corner to break back but Barty restored her advantage with a volley slapped away and then broke again to seal the set. Barty threatened to break for much of the decider, including at 4-3, but Sabalenka dug in and then had an opening at 4-4, when a failed drop-shot and double-fault from Barty gave her three break points of her own. Sabalenka converted the first with a thundering backhand down the line and showed no sign of nerves when serving out, powering into a 40-0 lead and winning on her first match point when a Barty forehand hit the net. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Sabalenka captures Qatar Open for sixth career title Related Story Sabalenka aims to 'keep fighting' for Slam dream
MADRID (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty edged the battle of the French Open champions on Monday (May 3) as she beat Poland's Iga Swiatek to reach the Madrid Open quarter-finals. Barty triumphed at Roland Garros in 2019 before Swiatek sprung another surprise by clinching her own first major title in Paris a year later. Both players will be among the favourites at the French Open next month but Barty's credentials gained an extra boost in Madrid, where she defeated Swiatek 7-5, 6-4. "I really enjoyed myself out there tonight, I enjoyed the challenge," said Barty. "Iga's game is exceptional. It's really, really impressive. I loved testing myself and trying to figure out the puzzle tonight and the challenges that she created for me." The Australian will now face three-time Madrid champion Petra Kvitova for a place in the semis, after Kvitova beat Russia's Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. Swiatek's loss brings an end to her nine-match unbeaten run on red clay while Barty extends her own winning streak to 14 matches on the surface. It was far from straightforward, with Barty having to come from 3-0 behind in the first set and recover from 0-40 down at 3-2 in the second, before sealing victory in an hour and 41 minutes. Kvitova, who won the tournament in 2011, 2015 and 2018, was also pushed hard by Kudermetova, who is one of the form players on the tour, having won her first WTA title in Charleston last month. But Kvitova used all her experience and some excellent serving to stay in contention for a record-extending fourth Madrid title. "Definitely it was a tough one," said Kvitova afterwards. "It was about serving a lot. It was just the one break in each set. I'm really glad I managed most of it mentally. Veronika was really on fire. Since she won Charleston, she really plays great. She will be a big champion. "The whole match I was not relaxed, but calm I would say. That's how I managed to bring the win." Eighth seed Belinda Bencic is also through after Ons Jabeur retired with a thigh injury when trailing 7-6 (7/2) 4-3. In the men's draw, Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov fell in the first round after losing in three sets to South African Lloyd Harris. Harris, who beat world number four Dominic Thiem and Denis Shapovalov en route to the final in Dubai in March, pulled off another upset by ousting Dimitrov 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5). The world number 54 held off a late fightback from 13th seed Dimitrov, who saved three match points in the final set before breaking back to force a tie-break. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Barty makes perfect start in Madrid with comfortable win over Rogers Related Story Tennis: Barty retains Miami Open crown as injured Andreescu limps out "It was a big up and down match, I had a set and a break, then I was a break up in the third too," said Harris. "I got a little bit nervous at the end but I'm happy to close it out." In his first appearance at the Madrid tournament, Harris will now face Australia's 22-year-old Alex de Minaur in round two. Two-time quarter-finalist John Isner battled past Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic 6-4 7-6 (8/6) while 11th seed Shapovalov defeated another Serbian, Dusan Lajovic, 6-1, 6-3.
STUTTGART, GERMANY (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty celebrated her 25th birthday by fighting back to beat Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals of the WTA clay-court tournament in Stuttgart on Saturday (April 24). Despite losing the first set in just a over half an hour, Barty hit back to seal a 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 win over the Ukrainian fourth seed. The Australian will meet fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday's final after the Belarusian later saw off Simona Halep in straight sets. "It's important to believe. Regardless of the score, I always try and find the right way," said Barty, who also lost the opening set of Friday's quarter-final against Karolina Pliskova. "She is one of the best competitors on the tour, so I knew it would be a very hard fought match and the margins would decide it," Barty added before being presented with a bouquet of flowers with "Happy Birthday" played over the arena's sound system. Barty had little time to celebrate the win or her birthday as she had to partner Jennifer Brady against Vivian Heisen and Wang Yafan in the doubles semi-final. However, the Australian was seeking no sympathy despite the quick turnaround. "I love to play tennis and I love to compete, so to do it on my birthday is even more special," added Barty who has already won the Melbourne and Miami tournaments this season. Sabalenka is into the second clay-court final of her career after powering past Halep for a 6-3, 6-2 win after converting the first of her three match points with an ace. "I didn't have enough sleep and I didn't want to stay on court too long," quipped Sabalenka, who beat Anett Kontaveit just before midnight in Friday's quarter-final. "It was a good match from me and I prepared well." Sabalenka has won three of her six games with Barty, but lost their most recent meeting in the Miami quarter-finals in early April. "She's in form and will be at 100 per cent, I'll do my best and see how it goes," added Sabalenka.
STUTTGART, GERMANY (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty fought back to reach the semi-finals of the WTA Stuttgart clay-court tournament with a 2-6, 6-1, 7-5 win over Karolina Pliskova on Friday (April 23). “It was an incredible match, with two very different opening sets, and the third was extraordinary,” said Barty after her 18th win this year. “I felt like I created a lot of opportunities and Karolina was able to come up with some quality stuff on some massive points. “It was a really good battle.” The Australian, who turns 25 on Saturday, rallied after a dream first set in the quarter-final from Pliskova, who broke Barty twice. However, Barty broke the Czech to start the second set and begin her recovery. Pliskova, the 2018 Stuttgart champion, served for the match at 5-4 in the decider but couldn’t close it out as Barty converted her fifth break point in a marathon game. Barty then held to love and secured victory in the following game on her second match point. “I missed some returns, but Karolina is a fierce competitor who has been at the top of her game for a long time,” said Barty, the 2019 French Open winner. “I knew I’d have to do something special to claw my way back and get back on my terms.” Barty faces fourth seed Elina Svitolina in Saturday’s semi-final after the Ukrainian staged a remarkable comeback in her 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 6-2 win over Petra Kvitova. Svitolina was 5-2 down in the second set but saved two match points as she reeled off five games on the bounce against 2019 champion Kvitova. She broke the two-time Wimbledon winner twice in the third set to complete an improbable turnaround. “It was a really tough battle, I was expecting a big match but I didn’t think it would be that hard,” admitted Svitolina. The world number five has lost her last two matches against Barty, most recently in the semi-finals of this year’s Miami tournament. “We played each other in Miami a few weeks ago, we know each other’s game very well, so I am looking forward to it,” said Svitolina.
STUTTGART, GERMANY (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty wasted no time on Wednesday (April 21) booking her place in the quarter-finals of the WTA clay-court tournament in Stuttgart. The top seed needed just 24 minutes to wrap up the first set against Germany's Laura Siegemund before claiming a 6-0, 7-5 second-round win. "It was good to play on a new surface, the court was quite quick compared to what I am used to," said Barty, who hit six aces in an impressive opening display. After Charleston, this is Barty's second clay-court tournament to prepare for next month's French Open, where she won the 2019 title. Barty revealed that she was innoculated against the Covid-19 virus while in South Carolina. "It was nice to know that we have got that small layer of protection." The 24-year-old Australian sat out Roland Garros last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and Poland's Iga Swiatek succeeded her as champion. In Friday's quarter-finals, Barty plays either Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko, also a former Roland Garros winner, or former world number one Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. "They are both good strikers (of the ball), so I will watch their match and see how best to play them," added Barty. Earlier, Pliskova had to dig deep after losing the second set to German Tamara Korpatsch before sealing a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory in her opener, her first appearance this season on clay. "I'm super happy that I'm through, but other than that I didn't see many really good things," said Pliskova, currently ranked ninth in the world. "I was struggling a bit in the rallies. I thought there were too many errors from easy balls, but my serve was quite ok. "First rounds are always a bit nervous, especially a first match on clay. "I'm just going to hope it's going to be better." There were no such problems for three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber, who breezed into the second round, sweeping aside Georgia's Ekaterine Gorgodze in a 6-2, 6-2 victory. "That wasn't a bad way to start the clay-court season. She wasn't an easy opponent and I had a solid game," said Germany's Kerber. The 33-year-old, who has dropped to 26 in the world rankings, expects a "tough match" on Thursday against fourth-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who has won all of their last six meetings. The winner will face Petra Kvitova in Friday's quarter-final after the seventh seed had to battle hard before sealing a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Maria Sakkari of Greece. Sakkari struck eight aces in a two-and-a-half hour tussle as Kvitova dug deep following her hard-fought first-round success over Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady on Tuesday. In Wednesday's other second-round match, third-seeded American Sofia Kenin was knocked out 7-5, 6-4 by Anett Kontaveit of Estonia. In the quarter-finals, Kontaveit plays either fifth seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus or German qualifier Anna-Lena Friedsam.
MIAMI (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty retained her Miami Open title on Saturday (April 3) as Bianca Andreescu's injury curse struck again. Australia's Barty completed a 6-3, 4-0 victory after Andreescu was forced to retire in tears with an injury to her right ankle in the second set at the Hard Rock Stadium. Barty had dominated the Canadian world number nine throughout the contest behind a powerful service game and accurate forehand. The end came soon after the third game of the second set, when Andreescu collapsed to the court after rolling her right ankle during her service game. Barty broke for a 3-0 lead as Andreescu, clearly struggling to move properly battled on. Despite being heavily strapped on her ankle, Andreescu retired soon afterwards, unable to continue. It was a bitterly disappointing end for Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion who missed the first few months of the 2020 season with a knee injury before last year's pandemic shutdown. "Definitely not the way I wanted to end the tournament, but I'm super-grateful nonetheless," Andreescu, 20, said in comments on court after her defeat. "I got to the final in one of my first tournaments in a while and I couldn't be more happy. "For me, getting back on my feet wasn't easy, but I continued to believe in myself and I never gave up. "So to everyone who's going through a tough time like me right now, I just want to say keep your head up and continue to believe in yourself." Barty, meanwhile, was left to reflect on a clinical victory in what was her first overseas appearance since the WTA Tour resumed after the shutdown. "It's been the perfect start for us," said Barty. "Hopefully, it's going to be a long and successful season. It's a brilliant start," added Barty, who now heads to next week's Charleston event as she prepares for the clay court season. The 24-year-old from Queensland controlled the game from the outset, moving Andreescu around the court relentlessly with accurate first serves and heavy groundstrokes. After opening with a convincing hold of serve, Barty broke Andreescu in the second game, taking a 2-0 lead with a bludgeoning forehand that gave the Canadian no chance. Another hold of serve put Barty 3-0 up, and although Andreescu took advantage of an erratic service game from the Australian to break back and close the deficit to 3-2, it was only a temporary reprieve. Barty broke back immediately to go 4-2 ahead and then held easily for a 5-2 lead. Andreescu held for 5-3 but was unable to find a way through Barty's serve as the world number one took the first set in the next game. Andreescu was soon under pressure in the second set, suffering an early break to go 2-0 down. She then appeared to roll an ankle while serving in the third game and crumpled to the court. She managed to continue but Barty broke again for 3-0 lead and the end followed soon afterwards when the youngster retired.
MIAMI (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty booked a return to the Miami Open final on Thursday (April 1) with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina. Australia's Barty, who won the most recent edition of the event in 2019, is trying to make her first successful defense of a WTA title. The Australian, already assured of remaining atop the world rankings next week after the quarter-final exit of Japan's Naomi Osaka, will face either eighth-seeded Canadian Bianca Andreescu or Greece's Maria Sakkari in the title match on Saturday.
MIAMI (AFP) - World number three Simona Halep withdrew from the WTA and ATP Miami Open on Saturday (March 27) because of a right shoulder injury, sending Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova into the round of 16. The 29-year-old Romanian isn’t set to play again until next month’s Billie Jean King Cup, formerly the Fed Cup. “I’m very sorry I have to pull out of singles and doubles at the Miami Open, but my injury doesn’t let me play here as expected,” Halep said in a statement. “I’m sad that I can’t continue. I wanted to come here to give my best and play many matches but unfortunately I can’t. Hopefully next year I will be back healthy and better.” Halep, the 2018 French Open and 2019 Wimbledon champion, was the third seed behind world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Japan’s second-ranked Naomi Osaka, who won last month’s Australian Open title for her fourth Grand Slam crown. Halep’s shock withdrawal came only minutes before 2019 French Open champion Barty advanced to the fourth round by defeating 54th-ranked Latvian Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-2. Defending champion Barty was denied on five set-point chances in the final game of the first set before claiming it on a service winner after 37 minutes. Former French Open champion Ostapenko broke Barty for a 2-0 lead to start the second set, then surrendered the final six games, Barty looking much more impressive than she did in her three-set battle to subdue Kristina Kucova in her opening match. “I was a lot sharper today,” Barty said. “I felt like today was a lot cleaner. I felt like I really needed to be ready from the first ball.” On the men’s side, Greek second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the third round by defeating Bosnian Damir Dzumhur 6-1, 6-4. The three-time Grand Slam semi-finalist next faces Japanese 28th seed Kei Nishikori, who outlasted Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene 7-6 (8/6), 5-7, 6-4. Barty, who has spent 68 weeks atop the rankings, said she gained more confidence from her off-court work than her victories this week. “I gain my confidence from all the work I do with my team,” said Barty, who needed 50 hours to travel to Miami from Australia. “We got here safely and I’ve been well prepared and now we’re enjoying the sunshine.” Next up for Barty will be either 14th seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus or 24th seed Angelique Kerber of Germany who faced off later Saturday in a battle of former world number ones. Halep had rallied to defeat France’s 51st-ranked Caroline Garcia 3-6, 6-4, 6-0 in her opening Miami match to reach the third round. Sevastova received a walkover into the fourth round, where she will face 338th-ranked Ana Konjuh of Croatia, who upset 15th-seeded Polish teen Iga Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2. More on this topic Related Story Tennis: Serena Williams pulls out of Miami Open following oral surgery Related Story Tennis: Andy Murray pulls out of Miami Open with groin injury