Ash Barty has insisted that there is no need to panic after suffering a shock second round loss at the Brisbane International.
The world No.1, who received a bye in the first round, failed to generate a single break point opportunity throughout her 6-4, 7-6(4), loss to qualifier Jenifer Brady. It was a far from perfect performance from the Australian, who ended the match with 26 unforced errors. Making it the first time she has lost an opening match of a tournament since the Rogers Cup last August.
Despite losing her first match of 2020, Barty paid tribute to the performance of her opponent on the court. 24-year-old Brady is currently at a ranking high of 53rd in the world, but is yet to win a WTA title. Last year Barty comprehensively defeated the American in straight sets twice on the tour. The two also practiced together earlier this week.
“Jen was in control of the match — she was in the centre of the court being the aggressor and I think you have to give credit where credit’s due,” AFP quoted Barty as saying following the match.
“She came through qualifying, but she’s got a ranking that’s kind of well below what a lot of people give her credit for.
“She’s playing some exceptional tennis, so I certainly can’t take that away from her. She played a great match today and deserved to win.”
The loss comes less than two weeks before the start of the Australian Open. Where Barty is bidding to become the first home player to win the tournament since 1978. She won her maiden grand slam title in 2019 at the French Open.
Looking ahead to the major, the 23-year-old played down the motion that she was feeling extra pressure due to her world No.1 position. Stating that the media interest has no impact on how she conducts herself in the sport.
“I think that’s (the pressure) all come you from you guys, if I’m being completely honest,” Barty told reporters.
“It doesn’t change the way that I practice. It doesn’t change the way that my team and I prepare. It doesn’t change me as a person.
“I think that you guys enjoy the fact that you get something to write about and you have something to talk about. So hopefully I make it interesting for you, but I don’t look at it beyond that.”
Yet to win a WTA title on home soil, Barty will be hoping to get back on track next week at the Adelaide International. A Premier event that will feature five top 10 players.
“To be honest, it’s not the be-all and end-all,” she concluded.
“It’s not going to change the way that I prepare. In Adelaide it’s not going to change the way that I prepare at the Australian Open. I know that I’ve done all of my work and all of my training well.”
Earlier this week, Barty said she will donate all of her prize money earned from Brisbane to the Australian bushfire appeal. Which is an estimated AUS$32,000.
