‘It’s unfair’: Rival enjoyed being thrashed by Ash Barty

Ash Barty’s start to the Australian Open has been typically brutal. She dispatched her second round opponent in an absolute bloodbath.

Ash Barty doesn’t give away many cheap points. Today was no exception.

Playing in front of a half-full stadium on Rod Laver Arena, the world’s best female tennis player was at her clinical best.

She needed just 52 minutes to dispatch with Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti 6-1 6-1 — bettering even her own lofty standards from the first round where she won in 54 minutes.

Barty stormed to a 5-0 lead in less than 20 minutes by running the Italian all over centre court.

After several long rallies, Bronzetti could do nothing but stand with hands on hips.

She did not concede a point in the fifth game of the opening set but Bronzetti managed to get on the board at 5-1 with an ace.

Barty clinched the next game to close out the first set 6-1 in just 26 minutes.

Bronzetti opened the second set with a strong hold but lost her nerve two games later when she lost four points on the run, including a double fault, to hand the world No. 1 an early break.

From there, Barty was challenged just once on her own serve in the sixth game of the second set but served her way out of it.

As sports journalist Alexander Grant wrote on Twitter: “Barty’s craftiness with her forehand is a treat to watch. Works the angles with such ease it looks unfair.”

The Barty Party rolls on. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP)

Speaking after the match, Barty said her opponent was happy despite being easily beaten.

“She said to me at the net it was a lot of fun out here and she really enjoyed the experience and you guys (in the crowd) had a lot to do with that so thank you very much for that,” she said.

Barty was also asked about her relationship with former Australian world No. 1 Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

“She’s an incredible human being. I’m extremely lucky to call her a friend. We’re so connected through our heritage. She’s paved a path and been able to guide so many Indigenous youth,” Barty said.

“I love her to death.”

Today’s performance followed a demolition from the world No. 1 in her opening round where she sent home Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-1.

#1 Ash Barty has lost three games in her first two #AusOpen matches.

Both against qualifiers, but still:

R1: Tsurenko 6-0, 6-1

R2: Bronzetti 6-1, 6-1

Faces last year's Montreal champ #30 Camila Giorgi next.

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 19, 2022

Ash Barty continues her great first week at the #AusOpen, easily beating Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-1 in 52 minutes to reach the 3rd round in Melbourne.

She lost three games and spent 1h48 on court in two matches so far...

Next? Camila Giorgi. Should be a good test.

[getty] pic.twitter.com/0TJyu5yEbQ

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 19, 2022

The two-time grand slam champion received a warm reception from her home crowd — she’s aiming to become the first Australian woman to win an Australian Open singles title since Chris O’Neil achieved the feat in 1978.

Her post-match interview on Monday made headlines after former Australian player and Barty’s good friend Jelena Dokic became quite emotional.

At one stage Dokic choked up while discussing Barty’s Wimbledon triumph.

“For everyone here, everyone in Australia, around the world, particularly myself — thank you,” Dokic said.

Ash Barty cruised through the second round against Lucia Bronzetti of Italy, winning 6-1 6-1. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“You gave us so much joy watching that last year. You made us so proud. I just want to hug you but I can’t.”

Humble as ever, Barty spoke passionately about her Indigenous heritage as a trio of young fans waved the Australian Aboriginal flag from the stands.

The Australian has a tricky draw ahead of her — she faces the daunting prospect of taking on reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka in the fourth round if she can get past respected Italian Camila Giorgi in her next clash.