Ash Barty breaks 36-year Australian Open drought
With the weight of Australia bearing down on her, Ash Barty will go into hiding as the world No.1 prepares to create more history after storming into the Australian Open semi-finals.
Tennis
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Determined to block out distraction, Ashleigh Barty will bunker down over the next two days in preparation for an Australian Open collision with explosive young American Sofia Kenin - and history.
The world No.1 surged into her first Melbourne Park semi-final, ending a 36-year drought, with a tough 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 win Petra Kvitova, prompting the Czech to declare Barty the best player on the planet.
A stickler for routine, Barty will venture to the practice courts with coach Craig Tyzzer to start the process of dealing with world No.15 Kenin while ambitiously attempting to stay out of public view.
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Asked about the maze of promotional billboards she features in around Melbourne and the difficulty of avoiding the limelight, Barty laughed: “Yeah, tell me about it.
“My team do a good job at taking the piss a little bit, sending me some of the photos.
“Look, you just have to have fun with it. That’s the only way.
“I’ve been on-site quite a bit, not really going for leisurely strolls around Melbourne.
“When I have an hour or two, it’s more just going back to the apartment and spending time with family. That’s about it.”
Outwardly immune to the dual forces of tournament favouritism and the growing expectation of becoming the nation’s first Open champion since 1978, Barty said she ignores the pressure.
“I don’t pay attention to it, honestly,” she said.
“I’m here to try and do the best that I can. Obviously it’s exciting.
“Hopefully I can bring a smile to a few faces around our country and around the world.
“For me, it’s trying to do the best that I can, find that enjoyment for myself and my team.”
Barty and Moscow-born Kenin have clashed five times, with the Australian leading the rivalry 4-1.
But Kenin pushed Barty to three sets in a French Open fourth-rounder last year, having eliminated Serena Williams in the previous round.
“I’ve played Ash a few times,” world No.15 Kenin said.
“I don’t think I’ve played anyone big in their home crowd. It’s going to be a different atmosphere obviously.
“But it’s exciting. I’m really looking forward to it, so.”
Barty is currently on a nine-match winning streak and the first Australian to reach the Open women’s singles semis since Wendy Turnbull in 1984.
She is two wins away from becoming the first Australian woman to land two or more singles majors since her idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley, owner of seven grand slams.
No Australian player has won the Open singles crown since Chris O’Neil in ‘78.
Kvitova said Barty’s effort to save a set point in the first set and then claim the tiebreak after a massive sixth-point stoush underlined why he is a deserving world No. 1.
“Really had a tough opponent today,” dual Wimbledon champion Kvitova said.
“Was really proving to be No.1.
“If you are facing world No.1, as Ash is, she’s really proving she (is) deserving to be (No. 1).”
Barty is wary of Kenin after the right-hander’s 6-4 6-4 victory over Tunisian Ons Jabeur.
The American also eliminated prodigy Coco Gauff.
“She’s an exceptional competitor as well,” Barty said.
“Loves to put herself out there, test herself on the biggest stage. Have played her a number of times now, with some results going both ways.
“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.”
KENIN READY TO PLAY VILLAIN TO ASH’S HERO
—Nick Smart
She’s been an Australian Open crowd favourite, but American Sofia Kenin is bracing for a “different atmosphere” when she faces Ash Barty in her first grand slam semi-final.
The 21-year-old booked her place in the final four with a 6-4 6-4 demolition over Tunisian Ons Jabeur.
On Thursday she will face Barty for a spot in the final, and she was under no illusions what to expect from the Australian and the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
“I played her a few times and know her game pretty well,” she said.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a good match and I’m excited.
“Of course, she’s playing at her home.
“I don’t think I’ve played anyone big in their home crowd. It’s going to be a different atmosphere obviously.
“I made a lot of new fans (during the tournament), so hopefully I’ll get some support and have a good match.”
The vanquished Jabeur admitted she ran out of puff, failing to take a set off Kenin on Thursday.
“Mostly I was a little bit tired,” she said.
“She’s such an unbelievable player.
“I had to run to every ball and she didn’t give any free points.
“But I think that’s what quarterfinals are like in grand slams and I really wish that I could play better.
“I mean, I’m happy with the tournament and the good news is that I have so much work to do still.”
Originally published as Ash Barty breaks 36-year Australian Open drought
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