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2019 Hopman Cup, December 28 Australia vs Spain RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia Ashleigh Barty vs Garbine Muguruza |
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Ashleigh Barty and Garbine Muguruza will get the Hopman Cup tie between Australia and Spain underway in what is expected to be an outstanding encounter. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 8:30pm (AEDT).
Barty has had an outstanding last 24 months since returning from cricket and all of that skill was on display during Australia’s first tie against France.
After finishing last year with the WTA Elite Trophy and at 15 in the world, Barty started the new season with a crushing victory in straight sets over Alize Cornet.
Given her partner Matthew Ebden pulled off a huge win as well, Australia will now look to beat Spain and set up a grand final qualifying tie against Germany on Friday night.
A key to that could be Barty winning here, given the talents of David Ferrer for the men’s match to follow. Ebden under pressure having to beat Ferrer may not end well.
While Barty had an outstanding 2018 and looked in good touch against Cornet, Muguruza is a grand slam champion and one of the best players in the world.
What makes you doubt exactly where she is at is a loss to Angelique Kerber in Spain’s first rubber, which puts them under pressure to beat Australia.
Muguruza seemed to struggle with her court movement and serve. While it’s not the be all and end all and she will be better for the run, she is going to need to put in plenty of improvement from one performance to the next to get over Barty.
Prediction
This is going to be an extremely high-quality match, however, Muguruza will be down on confidence a little bit after her difficult loss to Kerber. As much as she needs to win this match to keep Spain in the Hopman Cup, I’ll take Barty in an extremely entertaining and close encounter.
Barty in three sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the opening match in this Hopman Cup tie between Australia and Spain from 8:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Start time: 8:30pm (AEDT)
Venue: RAC Arena, Perth, Western Australia
TV: Live, 9Gem
Online: Live, 9Now
Overall record: Played 2, Barty 1, Muguruza 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
That was an outstanding performance. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but she looks good for a deep run in Melbourne.
Jordan Klingsporn
Roar Guru
Yessss. We both said Barty in 3 sets and she got it in 2. Kerber won't have an easy job against her.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right then, Ashleigh Barty has Australia up 1-0 in this tie against Spain, so we are off to the men's singles now as Matthew Ebden takes on David Ferrer. Join me there. Hopefully you enjoyed the call of this one.
Maggie
Guest
Wow, what an impressive performance by Ashleigh Barty. Such a pleasure to watch her play.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
When you look at the resume of Muguruza, that's an outstanding performance from Barty. Kerber will be a real test on Friday, but the Aussie looks in great touch ahead of the Australian Open.
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH, ASHLEIGH BARTY And in an hour and 15 minues, Ashleigh Barty has put on a brilliant, clinical performance from start to finish to get the better of Garbine Muguruza in straight sets. Muguruza didn't do a lot wrong, but she wasn't allowed to play well with Barty smacking forehands, backhands and serving extremely well. Barty looks in incredible touch. Barty........... 6 6 Muguruza... 3 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Barty goes wide. Muguruza challenges. It was in. Match point! Barty........... 6 5 - 40 Muguruza... 3 4 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah, that's a concern. Two faults in a row for Barty. Barty........... 6 5 - 30 Muguruza... 3 4 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Double fault. Was that nerves? Barty........... 6 5 - 30 Muguruza... 3 4 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Short return of serve and Barty comes forward, hitting it at Muguruza who lobs long on the half volley from the baseline. Barty........... 6 5 - 30 Muguruza... 3 4 - 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Barty with a wide serve. Muguruza gets the return in and a long rally follows, with Muguruza then putting a forehand into the net from the baseline. Barty........... 6 5 - 15 Muguruza... 3 4 - 0
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide kick serve from Muguruza. Barty hits the backhand down the line, but sends it long. Barty to serve for the match after the change. Barty........... 6 5 - Muguruza... 3 4 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Muguruza with a forehand into the net now. Got inside the baseline, but it was an excellent slice from Barty. Barty........... 6 5 - 30 Muguruza... 3 3 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Muguruza with some nice depth, then Barty sends a forehand long on the run. Barty........... 6 5 - 15 Muguruza... 3 3 - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Barty with a really good return of serve here. Barty........... 6 5 - 15 Muguruza... 3 3 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
That is ridiculously good from Barty. That's an incredible forehand, running around it on the defence and lacing it up the line. No, it's just wide. Still, awesome forehand. Barty........... 6 5 - 0 Muguruza... 3 3 - 30
Scott Pryde
Expert
Oh wow. What has happened there. Muguruza was off balance and somehow got a ball over the net. Barty........... 6 5 - 0 Muguruza... 3 3 - 15
Scott Pryde
Expert
Barty serves down the T. Muguruza gets there with a reaching forehand, but sends it long. Barty consolidates the break and is a game away from the win. Barty........... 6 5 - Muguruza... 3 3 -
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wide serve, then Muguruza returns and neutralises the point to get into it with some good defence. Long crosscourt rally follows, but Barty hits the cover off the ball to win it. Barty........... 6 4 - 40 Muguruza... 3 3 - 30