The night session featured, on Margaret Court Arena, Australia’s favourite Ash Barty, who had Luksika Kumkhum as her first challenge in the 2019 Australian Open.
Kumkhum began things and won a solid opener, with consistent serving.
Early pressure was placed on Barty as she couldn’t find a first serve. A backhand pass from Kumkhum created break point. That was saved, but not the second, and a wayward Barty shot gave Kumkhum a 2-0 lead.
In a rather scrappy performance, Barty finally hit a winning forehand, and it helped her to a break back chance which eventuated to her good fortune.
Still not being allowed to play with the freedom she would like, Barty was more proactive in game four, and reversed the match trend.
Now in control, the shots were flowing and Kumkhum was less equipped to cope with the variety.
An easy service hold was quickly followed by a second break of the Thai delivery and Barty led 3-2.
4-2 in a flash, the rhythm of Barty’s Sydney campaign starting to show, and Kumkhum suffering the consequences.
A forehand pass created two more break points on the Kumkhum serve.
A double fault and Barty had won five games straight.
Serving for the set, Barty raced to 40-15. One set point vanished, but her first ace sealed the set 6-2.
The momentum was ridden by Barty, as she took advantage of mounting unforced errors from Kumkhum, breaking for 1-0.
Kumkhum broke back as Barty caught the unforced error bug.
In the fifth game, Barty closed in on the net to put away a winner and with errors from Kumkhum, three break points. Two saved in style, but a forehand pass was too good and Barty led 3-2.
A brilliant backhand volley by Kumkhum was insufficient, and Barty cruised to 4-2.
Clearly disappointed, Kumkhum fell behind 15-40 thanks to unforced errors. A double fault sent Barty to within a game of the match.
Starting with an ace, Barty saw a return speed by her and 30-15.
Not to worry as a big serve and winning forehand wrapped up the match 6-2 6-2.
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