Ash Barty is preparing for a challenging Wimbledon semi-final against Angelique Kerber after beating Ajla Tomljanovic.
The world number one progressed to her first Wimbledon semi-final after a fairly comfortable 6-1 6-3 victory over compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic.
After a convincing opening set, Barty responded to an increase in play from Tomljanovic as she secured a spot in the last four.
Now the world number one will face former Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber for a place in the final on Thursday.
Speaking about the challenge Barty revealed that matches like these excite her, “It adds to the challenge. Angie obviously has an incredible record
here. She’s made multiple finals,” Barty said in her press conference.
“She’s one of the best grass courters going around. I think the challenge of playing her in a semi-final of Wimbledon is an incredible opportunity, one that I’m really excited for.
“It’s not scary or overwhelming, it’s just exciting. It’s exciting to have the challenge of playing someone who is comfortable on these courts, who knows how to win this tournament.”
When asked about the tactical match-up, Barty explained that using her variety will be key but is aware of how Kerber can nullify her strengths, “I think I like to try and use my variety as best I can,”
“I like to use my weapons when I can. I know one of Angie’s greatest assets is the fact that she can run and hunt and put the ball in an awkward situation to nullify my aggression and kind of my weapons at times. It’s a really fine balance.”
Also the top seed denied the fact that she’s playing well here because of the bubble and told the press that it’s a dream come true to play at Wimbledon, “The bubble has nothing to do with my tennis performance,” Barty said.
“I think where we know what the restrictions are, the guidelines are for each and every event, each event is a little bit different, but we put the trust in the health professionals making, creating those guidelines for us to make sure we can play such an event.
“This is my dream. I’m in an extremely fortunate position that I’m getting to do what I love, getting to do what I dreamt as a kid. So I think I’ve just got a whole lot of gratitude for the fact that I get to come out here and do what I love.
“The world, the way we’re living at the moment, I think it’s incredible that we’re able to play, compete, have people enjoy it with us. So I’m certainly enjoying every single minute that I get out on those courts.”
The head-to-head between Kerber and Barty is at 2 apiece with Barty looking to reach her second singles grand slam final.
