Day 7 of Australian Open 2019, and the round of sixteen. Second match on Rod Laver Arena was:
Ash Barty (15) (AUS) v Maria Sharapova (30) (RUS)
Barty served first. Three winners and an ace. 1-0. Sharapova held comfortably, the only point lost being a double fault. 1-1. Two more Barty winners, a lucky net cord, and a 2-1 lead.
Sharapova held, if unconvincingly, for 2-2. In difficult conditions with the sun where it was, Barty held and led 3-2. Not many winners, but several errors by both players at this stage.
Sharapova backhand and forehand winners highlighted her service hold and 3-3. 30-30 on the Barty serve. Break point after a wide Barty forehand. Saved, and Sharapova backhand errors cost her. Barty ahead 4-3.
In a game of three deuces, Sharapova saved two break points and levelled at 4-4. Two break points for Sharapova after a forced backhand error. Both saved. Double fault and third break point. A loose Barty backhand and the break. Sharapova led 5-4 and would serve for the set.
Love game for Sharapova, the set finished with an ace 6-4.
In set two it was clear that Sharapova was still in control, and Barty had more trouble holding serve. The Australian led 2-1, and hope was greater than reality at this stage. Double fault and Sharapova trailed 15-30. Russian forehand winner 30-30. Double fault and break point. Sharapova backhand found the net and Barty broke for 3-1.
Great net play from Barty and 30-15. Ace for 4-1. Maybe the standard seen in previous matches from the Australian had begun to return, and the match was on even terms. The serve was better for sure.
Double fault from Sharapova and two break points. The double break when the net was found by a Sharapova backhand. 5-1 Barty.
Double fault and 15-15. Two set points with a great forehand. A forced Sharapova backhand error and the set to Barty 6-1.
Sharapova wasted as much time as possible with a 7 minute ‘bathroom break’ before the deciding set.
The Russian served. Double fault and 0-30. Another, and three break points. Netted backhand and Barty broke to love. 1-0 to the Australian.
Barty behind 15-30. Ace for game point. Service hold by Barty and consolidation of the break 2-0.
Sharapova led 40-15 then two double faults and deuce. Backhand error and break point. Double break after unforced forehand error. Barty ahead 3-0.
Three forehand unforced errors from the Russian racquet and three game points. A forced backhand error and Barty increased her lead to 4-0.
Sharapova down 0-30. Better for 30-30, but a forehand failure and break point. Saved. Forehand wide again, and a second break chance. Also saved. Game point vanished. A second game point with an ace. Sharapova held serve and trailed 1-4.
Double fault from Barty and two break points for Sharapova. She converted the second and reduced the deficit to 2-4.
Sharapova led 30-0 but unforced errors led to a break point for Barty. It was saved, as was a second one. Point of the match won by Sharapova and game point. Sharapova winner and she held for 3-4.
Barty saved two break points, ending the game with an ace and a service winner. 5-3.
Overhead winner from Barty and 0-15. Australian forehand error and Sharapova forehand winner 30-15. Sharapova backhand pass and two game points. Double fault and 40-30. Game and 4-5.
Barty serving for the match.
Two match points following a service winner. Saved with a Sharapova winner and a double fault. An ace for another match point. Also saved.
A fourth chance was used with an ace, and Ash Barty had entered her first Grand Slam tournament quarter final 4-6 6-1 6-4, where she will play Petra Kvitová - the pair were the finalists in Sydney just a week ago.
No comments:
Post a Comment