Sydney International: Ash Barty claims second top 15 victim

After losing the Sydney International final last year, Ash Barty is determined on taking out the title to boost her Australian Open campaign as she surged into the semi-finals.

Ash Barty is in to the Sydney International semi-final. Picture: AAP

After losing the Sydney International final last year, Ash Barty is hell-bent on taking out the title to boost her Australian Open campaign as she surged into the semi-finals.

Barty took out world No.12 Elise Mertens 6-3 6-3 at Ken Rosewall Arena on Thursday, the day after her stunning upset of world No.1 Simona Halep.

The Australian star will face world No.9 Kiki Bertens on Friday for a place in the decider – she lost the 2018 Sydney final to Angelique Kerber.

“[I’m] obviously extremely determined, I had a taste of what it was like last year and I’m very keen to keep going as best that I can,’ Barty said.

Ash Barty is in to the Sydney International semi-final. Picture: AAP

“I know I’m playing good tennis. I’m well-prepared. Now it’s about going out there and executing and trying to finish this week off strongly before worrying about next week.

“I feel like I have played what, now, six really good singles matches. I feel like there haven’t been too many times where I have felt uncomfortable on the court.

“I’ve felt like I’ve been in control of most of them, which is really pleasing, and I think putting myself in the position towards the business end of the tournament, which is what you want to do.”

Barty took just one hour and 16 minutes to demolish Mertens 6-3 6-3. The 10th seed Belgian had few answers to Barty’s speed and strength.

“It was important to try and get ahead in games today, Elise is a great front-runner,” Barty said.

Barty’s slice proved a match-winning shot. Picture: AFP

“I knew I had to try and take control of those first two or three points in games to give myself a chance. One sloppy game from me on serve in the second set was probably the only blemish.”

After defeating Halep in hot and windy conditions on Wednesday, Barty looked just as comfortable in overcast humidity.

“It’s a tournament you always have to look at the weather for the next day to kind of prepare mentally and get yourself ready, because conditions can change dramatically,’ Barty said.

“When the sun’s out, it’s very lively. When it’s not, it can be quite dead and heavy when it’s more humid. It’s something you have to be aware of, but it’s not something that fazes me. You can play in different conditions across the world, across the whole year.

“Here it’s just a little bit more condensed from day to day. Certainly happy with how I was able to hit the ball today. It was a little bit more humid and a little bit more heavy in centre court, and it wasn’t as swirly, so it was a little bit more pleasant to play.”