Ash Barty defeated compatriot Daria Gavrilova 6-1 7-6(7) to reach the third round of the Australian Open.
Sanjhi Soch buero :World number one Ash Barty suffered a meltdown on the brink of victory but regathered herself to fend off compatriot Daria Gavrilova 6-1 7-6(7) and reach the third round of the Australian Open on Thursday.
Barty, who came onto centre court with her left thigh heavily strapped, served for the match at 5-2 but was broken twice in a hail of unforced errors, allowing wildcard Gavrilova to drag the contest deep into a tiebreak.
Fortunately for Barty, Gavrilova reprieved her twice with unforced errors on set point and then coughed up another on match point to surrender on a steamy day at Rod Laver Arena.
“This isn’t very subtle,” Barty said referring to the bandage. “I’m as fit as a fiddle.
“When you play another Aussie, rankings go out of the window, so it was always going to be a tricky match.”
Barty will meet the winner of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Barbora Krejcikova for a place in the fourth round.
