‘Utterly ruthless’: World No. 1 Ash Barty demolishes round one opponent

Ash Barty has absolutely demolished her first opponent at the Australian Open, securing a comfortable straight sets win in Melbourne.

Ash Barty on Rod Laver Arena. Photo by Michael Klein.

World No. 1 Ash Barty has absolutely demolished her first opponent at the 2022 Australian Open, securing a comfortable 6-0 6-1 victory over Ukrainian qualifier Lesia Tsurenko in just 54 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

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.

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The 25-year-old didn’t drop a game in the opening set on Monday evening, taking an early 1-0 lead in just 24 minutes.

Barty smacked three aces in the first set and saved two break points in her second service game, but the Aussie prevailed.

It was all one-way traffic in the second set as well, with Barty hardly putting a foot wrong on her way to a crushing win.

“This is brutal,” Australian tennis great Jelena Dokic said on Channel 9 commentary.

But in a late twist, Tsurenko saved two match points at 0-5 before a couple of unforced errors from Barty gifted the Ukrainian her first service game of the match.

Although she couldn’t secure the coveted double bagel, Barty will take plenty of confidence out of this victory — despite missing several match points.

Ash Barty is being utterly ruthless tonight. Potential 🍩🍩 looming.

— Tim Callanan (@MrTimCallanan) January 17, 2022

Ash Barty absolutely on fire

— Tash Robinson (@NC_Robinson) January 17, 2022

Tsurenko is no slouch either — she was ranked 23rd in the world in 2019 and qualified for US Open quarterfinals in 2018.

She gave the Queenslander an almighty scare at Melbourne Park two years ago when these two last faced off in a grand slam tournament, ultimately going down 5-7 6-1 6-1.

“She’s an incredibly tough opponent,” Barty told reporters after that match.

Last year, Barty started her 2021 Australian Open campaign with a double bagel, defeating Montenegrin star Danka Kovinic 6-0 6-0 — but she couldn’t quite replicate the feat tonight.

Ashleigh Barty of Australia. Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Dokic became quite emotional while interviewing Barty after the round one victory, at one stage choking up while discussing her recent Wimbledon triumph.

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

“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.

“There is quite a bit of wind at court level so I thought I did a good job,” Barty said after the win.

“But I felt like I was able to find my forehands and control the court with my forehand and I felt like tonight it was nice and solid.

“I think I’m my most comfortable self when I’m out on the court … I’m a very, very proud Indigenous woman. I love my heritage, I love to celebrate my heritage. It’s what connects me to all of you here today. It’s what connects me to the land.”

Ash Barty, she can make people trip and fall over in love. #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/EC1Hdz25bC@AustralianOpen

— Anand Datla (@SportASmile) January 17, 2022

However, 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.

Barty will take on Italian qualifier Lucia Bronzetti in the second round on Wednesday.