World No.1 Ash Barty continues to play down the hype surrounding her as she moves to just two wins away from claiming the Australian Open title.
The top seed is through to the semi-finals of the tournament after edging out two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kviotva 7-6(6), 6-2. The same player who knocked her out of the Melbourne grand slam 12 months ago. In their latest clash, Barty used variations of her defensive skills and slice to seal victory. Hitting 20 winners and winning 60% of her service points against the Czech player.
“I love testing myself against Petra,” Barty said in her post-match press conference. “She has this way of bringing out the very best in me. She came at me with all guns blazing. That first set could have gone either way. It was really important to try and get my nose ahead when I could. It was nice to save a set point and get a roll on early in the second set with a couple of quick breaks.”
It is the fourth time in a row that the 23-year-old has got the better of Kvitova on the tour. She has won eight out of the past nine sets they have played against each other. A big turnaround for the Australian, who was once trailing their head-to-head 1-3.
“She’s a great mover. She can mix it up the game.” Said Kvitova. “I think she is really improving every month.”
Barty’s win has also written a bit of history at the Melbourne major. She is the first Australian woman to reach the semi-final stage of the tournament since Wendy Turnbull back in 1984. This year she is bidding to become the first Australian to win the title since Chris O’Neil back in 1978.
With more milestones at stake, inevitably the pressure will intensify on the reigning French Open champion. However Barty is determined not to pay too much attention to what others are saying about her. She is one of only two top 10 players remaining in the draw. The other is Simona Halep, who will play her quarter-final match on Wednesday.
“At times you can’t avoid the fact that your mind wonders a little bit. I think that’s natural for everyone. It just happens. We’re all human, but for me it is about bringing it back to my game and my focus for as best as I can.” Barty said during an interview with Eurosport’s Game, Schett and Mats.
“I don’t read the newspapers. I flicked through it this morning to read a little bit about the cricket, a few of the other sports. But when I see my face I flick that page pretty quickly. I see enough of me, I don’t need to see any more.”
Kenin awaits
Standing in her way of a place in the final of the tournament is Sofia Kenin. Who is through to the last four of a major for the first time at the age of 21. 14th seed Kenin, who was born in Russia, defeated Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-4. Prior to this year, she had never gone beyond the fourth round of a major tournament.
“I played her a few times, know her game pretty well.” Kenin said of Barty.
“It’s going to be a good match. I’m excited. Of course, she’s playing at her home, so it’s a little bit different. I made a lot of new fans. Hopefully I’ll get some support, have a good match.”
The American rising star believes her career started to surge at the French Open last year where she defeated her idol Serena Williams in the third round. Since that win, she has won two WTA titles and recorded four wins over top 10 players. Including a three-set triumph over Barty at the Canadian Open last August.
“I feel like that was the first time I experienced getting to the second week,” she reflected.
“Obviously it felt really different. It’s so much different.
“But, yeah, I feel like that match really changed things. I obviously saw that I can play on this level, I could play with the best. Of course, it just happens to be Serena, my idol.
“I feel like after that, things took off.”
Despite being separated by 14 places in the WTA rankings, Barty acknowledges the threat she faces in the next round. Although she does lead their head-to-head 4-1 overall.
“She’s an exceptional competitor as well. Loves to put herself out there, test herself on the biggest stages. I have played her a number of times now, with some results going both ways.” The Australian previewed.
“She has a great knack of controlling the court from the centre of the court and being that first-strike player. It’s going to be important for me to try and nullify that if I can.”
The semi-final clash will take place on Thursday.
