The number one seed began scratchily, finding the net twice and hitting three ground strokes long, resulting in a break of serve, despite delivering an ace. Tsurenko established an early gap, holding serve competently.
Barty settled, and won the next three games, winners and aces now freely distributed. However, Barty was inconsistent, rushing to win points, and not respecting her opposition’s quality.
Once more, at 3-4, Barty fought back to be on level terms, courtesy of Tsurenko mistakes, and sealed with a neat volley.
5-4 for the Australian followed.
Tsurenko countered the Barty slice and out-rallied the top seed for the final three games of set one. One set point saved, but not a second, Tsurenko a set up 7-5.
A new look Barty stepped out of the shadows and for the final two sets showed the crowd many reasons why she is number one. Serve on song, variety of shot making, excellent choice of when to use the slice, and less unforced errors. Patience also a key factor in Barty executing a winning formula to take victory 5-7 6-1 6-1.
Against a higher ranked player, though, such a laboured beginning could be fatal.
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