top of page
91302_Retravion_RACSaves5_SportFM.gif
  • Writer's pictureSportFM

Barty survives scare, Stosur out



Ash Barty has overcome world number 120 Ukranian Lesia Tsurenko, bouncing back after dropping the first set to win her opening round match at the 2020 Australian Open.


The world number one dropped three of her service games in the first set, Tsurenko claiming it 7-5 to take an early lead.


Barty responded emphatically in the following two sets, getting early breaks of serve in both to win comfortably 6-1 6-1.


There were early dramas at Rod Laver Arena, with outside rain appearing to break through the retractable roof to form puddles on the court.


Barty began nervously dropping her opening service game, Tsurenko pouncing on several unforced errors in the first set as well as producing some powerful ground strokes.


The 23 year old Aussie regained her composure to win comfortably to qualify for the second round of her home Grand Slam.


The news was less encouraging for fellow Aussie Sam Stosur, who exited the tournament in the first round for a fifth straight year as she lost to American Caty McNally in straight sets, 6-1 6-4.


In other results on a truncated opening day because of rain Serena Williams thrashed 18 year old Russian Anastasia Potapova 6-0 6-3, reigning champion Naomi Osaka defeated Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4 and teenage sensation Coco Gauff beat Venus Williams 6-3 7-6, the 15 year old reprising her result against Williams at Wimbledon last July.


Roger Federer beat Steve Johnson in straight sets in the Men's singles, while Novak Djokovic plays German Jan-Lennard Struff at Rod Laver Arena tonight.


IMAGE: The Age.

bottom of page