Wimbledon 2017: Ashleigh Barty blows lead in first-round loss to Elina Svitolina
ASHLEIGH Barty was left to rue a missed opportunity as fourth seed Elina Svitolina desperately withstood the Queenslander’s Wimbledon challenge.
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ASHLEIGH Barty was left to rue a missed opportunity as fourth seed Elina Svitolina desperately withstood the Queenslander’s Wimbledon challenge.
Barty led the first set 5-3 and had her chances in the second set before departing 7-5 7-6 (10-8) against the world No 5.
Serving for the first set at 5-4, Barty lost three games in a row — and critical momentum.
Barty generated 11 break points, but converted just three in a match of contrasting styles.
And she admitted she had overplayed her devastating forehand as she tried to ruffle Svitolina.
“Yeah, I did, and I think I just overplayed a little bit, especially towards the end of the first,” Barty said.
“I gave away a few cheapies, a few too many cheapies in the whole match.
“Yeah, I certainly had my opportunities and had a few points. I mean, if I could have a dozen points over again, I feel like it may be a different result.
“But, no, I made a few too many errors today, especially off my forehand, but sometimes that’s the way it goes.
“Obviously Elina is a quality player, a quality mover. I think I just pressed a little bit too much...just tried to overplay when I probably didn’t need to.”
Svitolina was the more conservative with 26 winners and 23 unforced errors. Barty was far more adventurous with 40 winners but made 41 unforced errors.
The Aussie saved five match points in a gripping second-set tiebreak before Svitolina scrambled to safety.
Svitolina required treatment on her right foot before rain caused a delay during the second set.
Originally published as Wimbledon 2017: Ashleigh Barty blows lead in first-round loss to Elina Svitolina