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Australian Ashleigh Barty fell narrowly short of taking home the 2019 Sydney International title, losing to Petra Kvitova in a final-set tiebreaker.
Final score
Ashleigh Barty 6 5 6
Petra Kvitova 1 7 7
Ashleigh Barty and Petra Kvitova meet in the final of the Sydney International on Ken Rosewall Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEDT).
Despite consistent issues with rain, the women’s draw has managed to weave its way through the weather and a fitting final of the Sydney International will now take place.
Australia’s Ash Barty has had a difficult draw and will play her fourth seed of the tournament tonight.
After knocking out No.1 seed Simona Halep, Barty then dealt with Elise Mertens in the quarter-finals and snuck past against Kiki Bertens in a tough semi-final yesterday.
In the final she faces the big serving and big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova, the No.5 seed and fatigue could be a factor for the Australian, having backed up each of the last four days.
Having said that, there have been no signs of her wilting under the weight of time on the court and her strong finish against Bertens in the semi suggests there still might be plenty of fuel in the tank.
Kvitova cruised through her semi-final last night, despite not finishing until the wee hours of this morning.
She has hardly been tested in this tournament, something that can be a help or a hindrance and the thrashing of Angelique Kerber in straight sets on Thursday was particularly impressive.
Currently No.8 in the world rankings, Kvitova will enter the match as the favourite, with Barty sitting at 15, however, the Czech can experience psychological difficulties in matches if put under pressure.
Barty will attempt to do just that with her variety and ability to take the net position. Up against Kvitova’s power, it will be an interest clash of styles.
Prediction
Barty appears to be riding something of a wave in Sydney and made the final here twelve months ago.
Something tells me she can manage a win in this one with a raucous home crowd and an often mentally frail opponent.
If Kvitova skips clear she can be hard to run down, yet if the Australian starts well, I believe she can frustrate her opponent and win the title.
Barty in three sets.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 5pm (AEDT).
Where: Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
When: Saturday 12th January 2019, 5pm (AEDT)
TV: 9GEM
Betting: Ashleigh Barty $1.95, Petra Kvitova $1.85
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