Its an all-Aussie affair on Ken Rosewall Arena as Daria Gavrilova plays Ashleigh Barty for a place in the final of the Sydney International. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the match on Friday afternoon, starting from 2pm (AEDT).
Having benefitted from Garbine Muguruza’s retirement, Gavrilova approaches today’s semi-final fresh and ready for action.
The Russian-born Australian however will need to produce her best tennis to get the better of Barty, who impressed in a straight-sets win over Barbora Strycova.
If the last meeting between the pair is any indication, expect this contest to go the distance between two of the fiercest competitors on the WTA tour.
Gavrilova defeated Barty on clay in three tight sets in Strasbourg last season. On hard courts however, Barty may possess a significant advantage given she has the bigger shotmaking prowess. Gavrilova, however, has Barty covered though for foot speed and court coverage.
If Barty wishes to progress, she needs to find her range and play aggressively to unsettle Gavrilova. This is where Sam Stosur failed and Gavrilova was able to finish her off convincingly with her tenacious court coverage.
Prediction
Barty at her best is difficult to tip against, given her power advantage, but Gavrilova will certainly give her all.
If Barty plays below par, Gavrilova will pounce and send Barty packing. Overall though, Barty should turn up and get the job done.
Prediction: Barty in three sets.
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from the match between Daria Gavrilova and Ashleigh Barty at the 2018 Sydney International on Friday afternoon, starting from 2pm (AEDT).
tsuru
Roar Rookie
You're right, of course, Fionn, about recovery. I wasn't really thinking she would literally go straight back out to a practice court. But I'm sure she'd feel like she'd need to fix things up. I'll bet she'll work on a few things in the morning before her final. I believe that "when playing exceptionally poorly the best thing that you can do is take a break for the rest of the day" depends on the individual and his or her state of mind.I would certainly not be "seeing" if things click tomorrow. I'd be trying to ensure it on the practice court. But, yes, tomorrow.
Fionn
Guest
Very poor match from Ashleigh. All that can be said is that she dug in and managed to win despite not playing well, rather like you say, Tsuru. Her first serve was good when she got it in, but her second serve was a disaster. There were multiple points in which she hit consecutive double faults. She will not be able to have a deep run at the Australian Open if that is the form she brings. That being said, it could just be a single poor performance. Hopefully she got that out of her system for it would be great to see her win the tournament. Tsuru, she will just do recovery, as she should. In my experience when playing exceptionally poorly the best thing that you can do is take a break for the rest of the day and see if she finds things click better tomorrow.
tsuru
Roar Rookie
I don;t know about "primed" for a big performance in the final, Alan. I didn't see the match, but from your description she'd be going straight for the practice courts and working on her serve to figure out why she served a bunch of doubles and made a lot of unforced errors. I would say, though, that she'd be happy that she found a way to win despite not playing terribly well. That does give you a bit of confidence. Interesting thought for the final: her 2 potential opponents play very different games. Giorgi is all out attack usually, whereas Kerber at her best (and it seems like she has regained some form after an awful end to 2017) can be like an immovable object - everything comes back and often with interest. It does make it tough for Barty to prepare. .
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty is through to her first Apia International final after defeating Gavrilova in three sets this afternoon. Both players were below their best today, with unforced errors and poor serving dominating play. Barty however improved the most as the match wore on, particularly in the third set and has managed to book her place in the decider. Barty will need to improve tenfold though if she is to stand a chance against Kerber or Giorgi. With a below par effort out of the way though, Barty should be primed for a big performance in the final. Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH BARTY Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Match point.... Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Deuce courtesy of some good serving from Barty Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Two break points for Gavrilova. Another twist in this tale?? Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Gavrilova too good with the forehand crosscourt and its 0-30 Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Double fault and its 0-15 Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty with the forehand winner and she will now serve for a place in the final. Gavrilova has tried hard as always, but the limitations in her game are clear. Poor serve and a real lack of power in her groundstrokes. Barty has her covered even though the world no. 17 has been below her best considerably Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
BREAK BARTY Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty looking to strike a fatal blow here at 0-30. Gavrilova has had issues with her serve all day. Double fault again. Three break points for Barty Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty holds courtesy of some nice variety that draws the error from Gavrilova. Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 4
Alan
Roar Guru
Gavrilova stays in touch as Barty sends her forehand wide. Gavrilova 6 4 2 Barty 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty races to 40-15. Barty does enough with the forehand to hold Gavrilova 6 4 1 Barty 3 6 3
Alan
Roar Guru
Gavrilova holds to love and stays in touch Gavrilova 6 4 1 Barty 3 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Barty beginning to overpower Gavrilova here. The 21 year old still no where near her best but she is on top now. Gavrilova 6 4 0 Barty 3 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Gavrilova trying to stay with Barty here. Backhand shots serving her well in this service game. Still game point for Barty. Another forehand winner for Barty and she holds Gavrilova 6 4 0 Barty 3 6 2
Alan
Roar Guru
Two break points for Barty. She converts with a forehand winner. BREAK BARTY Gavrilova 6 4 0 Barty 3 6 1