Australian Open 2020 results: Ash Barty def Elena Rybakina 6-3 6-2

Ash Barty has pushed past a bizarre break-riddled start to her match to surge into the fourth round in Melbourne and keep alive her dream of ending Australia’s 42-year home slam drought.

Australia's Ashleigh Barty reacts after a point against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina during their women's singles match on day five of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 24, 2020. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE

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Ashleigh Barty has weathered a sluggish start and Elena Rybakina’s power to steam into the Australian Open’s fourth round.

Maintaining hopes of ending the nation’s 42-year Open singles title drought, Barty rebounded from early serving woes to advance 6-3 6-2 in only 78 minutes.

Pitted against the most successful woman on tour this season, world No.1 Barty showcased class and skill with 28 winners and just 16 unforced errors.

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Australia's Ash Barty crushes a forehand return in her win over Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina. Picture: AP

“Very tough one, I felt like I had to be switched on,” Barty said.

“It’s probably the best I’ve played this summer.

“This is why I train, why I work so hard to come out here for these moments.”

The Queenslander is bidding to become the first Australian to lift the Daphne Akhurst trophy since Chris O’Neil at Kooyong in 1978.

Rybakina, who had won 11 of 12 matches this year entering her clash with Barty, clearly threatened the French Open champion early before repeatedly blundering.

Barty was forced to dig deep early as Rybakina shot out of the blocks. Picture: AFP

The Kazakh hammered 28 winners but imploded with 30 unforced errors and five dropped service games.

Barty has now notched seven wins in succession, winning the Adelaide crown and reaching the last 16 here after defeat to Jennifer Brady in Brisbane.

Barty will face either her doubles partner Julia Goerges, of Germany, or Alison Riske, the American who eliminated her at Wimbledon last July.

“It’s incredible, Jules is a great friend of mine,” Barty said of a possible singles encounter with her doubles partner.

Originally published as Australian Open 2020 results: Ash Barty def Elena Rybakina 6-3 6-2