Barty overwhelmed by Osaka

Ash Barty (18) had a third round meeting with hard hitting Naomi Osaka on Margaret Court Arena, shifted from RLA because of timing.

Ash started as favourite but Osaka would cause a lot of competition.

Barty served first, and after two errors she delivered an ace and service winner and reached 30-30. However Osaka created a break point and converted it thanks to more Barty errors.

An ace and clean winner highlighted Osaka’s service hold - 2-0.

Barty held to feature on the scoreboard 1-2.

Two break points to Barty - both saved, the second with an ace.

Osaka held for 3-1.

A swift hold by Ash left her close but behind a break 2-3.

Osaka held easily for 4-2.

Two break points for Barty which were stamped out by Osaka who proceeded to hit a series of winners and capture the opening set 6-4.

Barty, for the third match in succession, would need to win in three.

From 30-0 Barty dropped serve in the first game of set two.

She had deuces in Osaka’s next game but was unable ro break and trailed 4-6 0-2.

Osaka broke again, sealing it with winners.

4-0 after three successive aces in Osaka’s next service game.

0-30 for Barty but she fought back to finally see a score registered on the board this set for her. 4-1 Osaka.

Osaka served for the match at 5-2. Down 0-30 she served brilliantly when it mattered to win the match 6-4 6-2.

Next for her world number one Simona Halep.