Ash Barty's ominous message after ruthless Aus Open lesson
World No.1 Ash Barty has booked her place in the quarter-final for the fourth year in a row after a masterful display against Amanda Anisimova.
Barty was up against the 20-year-old American, who defeated defending champion Naomi Osaka, but used her slice and change of pace incredibly well.
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The Aussie had her serve broken for the first time in 63 games, but broke back and ran away with the first set 6-4.
Barty held her nerve in the second set as Anisimova fell away after being broken twice, which sealed the match 6-4, 6-3.
Barty will take on America Jessie Pegula in the next round.
Fans were quick to praise the World No.1, who hasn't dropped a set on her way to the quarter-final.
Ash should probably just click those red shoes & go straight to the final. What a champ. #AusOpen #AshBarty
— steve taylor (@thatstevetaylor) January 23, 2022
Ash Barty is a machine. Nothing fazes her. Gets broken for the first time in the tournament and then just rolls out to break straight back. Not even another break point in the following game rattled her - drilled a huge ace. She’s amazing. #ausopen #tennis
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) January 23, 2022
I’m fascinated by the mental stamina of tennis players. Hours of play with not a single word from a coach once they’re on the court.
And Ash Barty has got to be the most focused of them all. What a champion. #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/z2ZSeH9InA— ELISE FERR.\RI (@elise_fastcar) January 23, 2022
If you look at the players remaining in the draw, Ash Barty should really win this tournament. She’s a class above. #bartyparty #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/rnBGPl3qg6
— Hero (@hierohero1) January 23, 2022
It gets said every year but really does feel like this is a great opportunity for Ash Barty to win her home grand slam #AusOpen https://t.co/rdNifMLW61
— George Sessions (@GeorgeSessions) January 23, 2022
Young American Amanda Anisimova shows flashes but No. 1 Ash Barty too steady and too crafty and closes out a 6-4, 6-3 victory to reach the quarterfinals of the #AusOpen. Faces a very different American player next: No. 21 Jessica Pegula#getty pic.twitter.com/YLqCBezLpK
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 23, 2022
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis deliver standout match
Earlier, Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis have delivered a brilliant show and interview after their thrilling 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over 15th seeds Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar.
The 'Special Ks' fought their way into the quarter-finals in front of a full house at Kia Arena on Sunday, having already upset top-ranked Croatian duo Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic in the second round.
The match was a rollercoaster with Kokkinakis serving well to begin with, before the pair finished with 26 winners compared to their opponents' 12.
The Australians' form and on-court showmanship have reignited interest in the men's doubles tournament at Melbourne Park, with patriotic and often boisterous crowds flocking to their matches.
Tennis reporter Christopher Clarey said he was walking the concourse at Melbourne Park and could hear the vociferous crowd.
Following the match, tennis great Wally Masur asked the pair: “You’ve backed up a huge win with another great win,” before adding it's “not easy to pick apart these established doubles teams.”
However, Kyrgios quipped: "I mean, it's been pretty easy."
Kyrgios burst into laughter, along with the crowd, as the duo kept the crowd entertained right until the last moment.
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