Barty into Birmingham final

Semi final day in Birmingham.

Nature Valley Classic Birmingham - a WTA Premier category tournament, on Grass, in Birmingham, Great Britain, 17-23 June 2019.

Defending champion:

Petra Kvitová (4) who defeated Magdaléna Rybáriková 4-6 6-1 6-2

Semi final results 

- Barbora Strycova v Ashleigh Barty (2)

Of the three previous meetings between the two, Strycova won the first, but it was way back in 2014, in the opening round of the US Open, when Barty was aged 18 and ranked 186. The Australian won the other two clashes - here in Birmingham in 2017, and in Sydney in 2018.

Strycova served first, and after four games it was 2-2, both players having saved a break point in their second service game.

Strycova won the opening point of game five,  and a simple volley missed at the net by Barty, made it 30-0.  A series of errors changed the dynamic, and Barty had a break chance. A frustrated Strycova double faulted and the second seed led 3-2.

In consolidating the break, Barty saved two break back points, and those were the last chances offered until the Australian stepped up to the line leading 5-4.

A service winner, and errors from both Strycova sides, created three set points. A simple put away at the net, following up a strong backhand, sealed the opening set 6-4 for Barty.

Strycova began set two the stronger, holding serve in the opening game, then having Barty 15-40. The break points were both saved by Barty, aces on each occasion, and games were eventually 1-1.

Strycova then let slip a 40-15 advantage on her own serve, losing three straight points to face a break point. Danger was averted with some excellent net work exhibited by the Czech player. Further good volleying and a smart drop shot enabled Strycova to hold serve, and for five games afterwards there was no drama for the server.

4-4 and Strycova was back at the line.

The pressure was on Strycova after a pair of wide forehands had her down 0-30. A well placed backhand allowed for a volley put away from Barty, creating two break points, and then another deft backhand forced a final errant Strycova shot to achieve the service break.

Serving at 5-4, Barty found an ace to lead 30-0. A Strycova backhand caused problems for Barty, but another ace produced two match points. The first was saved when a backhand landed wide, but the match was over on the next point after Strycova pushed a backhand out of court.

Ash Barty won her way into the final 6-4 6-4

- Julia Goerges (8) defeated Petra Martic 6-4 6-3, and will play Ash Barty in the final.