Ash Barty has set out a warning to her rivals by producing a comprehensive win over Sofia Kenin at the Adelaide International.
Playing in just her second competitive singles match since September, Barty produced an emphatic service display throughout her 6-3, 6-4, win over the 2020 Australian Open champion. The world No.1 won 31 out of her 32 first serves and dropped only seven points behind her second. Breaking Kenin once during each set to close out the match in just 68 minutes.
“It felt pretty good today. I think I was able to look after my service games pretty well and it was a lot of fun playing out here again, (to) get some more court time and start to feel a little bit better,” said Barty.
The Australian now leads Kenin 5-2 in their head-to-head and has won two out of their three most recent meetings. This week is the first time Barty has played a WTA event since her third round loss to Leylah Fernandez at the US Open. She opted to end her 2021 season early due to a mixture of travel restrictions related to the pandemic and wanting to focus on her off-season training.
Barty’s latest victory follows up on her rollercoaster triumph over Coco Gauff where she was forced to battle back from a set and a break down. Both of her opponents this week are ranked in the world’s top 25 with Guaff at 22 and Kenin at 12.
“That’s what you want. Honestly, it’s nice to come out here and be tested right from the start and know that you have to bring your very best level,” said Barty.
“Obviously looking at both these last two matches there’s still work to do. We go back to the drawing board and continue try and do all the right things.
“It’s been a really solid start and were happy with the foundation that we’ve kind of set to start the year off.”
The two-time Grand Slam champion is set to face another stern test in the semi-finals where she will play either Victoria Azarenka or Iga Swiatek. Last year on the Tour she defeated Switek once and Azarenka twice.
There was double delight for the 25-year-old on Friday after she also sealed her place in the final of the doubles tournament. Partnering Storm Saunders, the duo edged out Sania Mirza and Nadiia Kichenok 6-1, 2-6, 10-8. Should she win in the final, Barty will claim her first ever WTA doubles title on home soil.
