World number one Ashleigh Barty’s hopes of becoming the first Australian woman to win the singles title at the Australian Open since Chris O’Neil have been dashed following a surprise 7-6, 7-5 loss to 21-year-old American Sofia Kenin.
With the second and third seeds eliminated earlier in the tournament, Barty was the slight favourite to take out the grand slam – with her biggest hurdle thought to be white-hot fourth-seed Simona Halep.
However, her tournament came to a disappointing end against 14th-seed Kenin, who will now play the winner of Halep and Garbine Muguruza on Saturday, February 1.
It was an uncharacteristically error-prone performance from the 23-year-old, who failed to convert several break points in the first set, before electing not to challenge a shot during the tiebreaker that replays later confirmed was out.
Crucially, in the final game of the second set, Barty started with a double fault to virtually hand Kenin the match.
MORE TO COME
hayboy
Roar Rookie
I was thinking that. There doesn't seem to be that top few incredibly elite/crazy intense/amazing wtf moves and shots in the woman that exists in the men.
anon
Roar Pro
Women's tennis pretty even. Barty not that much better than anyone in the top 20.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Interesting final with no player ranked above 14 in the world.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Kenin has a good record against Barty so not a big surprise.
anon
Roar Pro
Well done Kenin. Too good.
matth
Roar Guru
And the season ending championships for the richest winning cheque in tennis history
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I’m no tennis nuffie but she won the French and is now in the semis of another slam. Serena went out early here and hasn’t won a slam for 2 years. Who is she lucky to be in front of?
Andy J
Roar Rookie
How exactly she won Adelaide semi final australian open win the French last year won several other tournaments went deep in most! So how’s she not number one????
Simoc
Guest
Looked like a choke to me. Tightened up in the clutch points. To much pressure. Kenin is very consistent but I saw her getting slaughtered against a Chinese player early on and it just goes to show how far a bit of confidence goes in the womens game. They're more evenly matched as a generalization, where as some men are dominant.
Republican
Guest
.......no surprise really. Australians usually find the weight of expectation beyond them when in a position to win at home. Ash is a fine player but her number one ranking flatters her really.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Fair enough then, I didn't see most of it. :thumbup:
JGK
Roar Guru
Set points on serve in both sets. That's "the one that got away" in any language, regardless of how well the opponent played.
Micko
Roar Rookie
A bit harsh, she was beaten by the better player...credit where it's due!
JGK
Roar Guru
Oh dear Ash, this will be the one that got away.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Early in the match I heard Jelena Dokic say "Ash has nothing to lose". Is Channel 9 actually paying her to commentate. They would be better of using Damir. He would spice up the coverage.