Favourite Barty sees off Anisimova to reach quarter-finals

Australian Open 2022 | Draw | Order of play

Ash Barty took another step closer to a first Australian Open title as she beat Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to reach the quarter-finals for the fourth year in a row.

The world No 1 was pushed hard by Anisimova, the American who beat defending champion Naomi Osaka in the previous round, but came through in impressive fashion as she looks to become the first Australian to win the title since Chris O’Neil in 1978.

Good omen for Barty after Paris victory?

Barty had beaten Anisimova in their only previous meeting – the semi-final of the French Open in 2019 – and went on to win her first Grand Slam title. Could that be an omen? “We’ll wait and see, hey,” Barty said. “She’s a champion, she’s going to be deep in a lot of Grand Slams.”

Barty will now play American Jessica Pegula, who upset Maria Sakkari earlier in the day. The Australian also beat Pegula on her way to the title in Paris in 2019.

The 25-year-old said she was relishing playing at home in front of such a strong crowd. “It was a lot more fun. Last year, the last two years has been extraordinarily tough for a lot of people around the world. To have the crowd here, it brings life to the sport and a lot of enjoyment at home, and I get to share it with everyone else.”

Barty’s serve streak ends at 63

One consolation for Anisimova is that she became the first woman to break through the serve of Barty at this year’s event. The American broke serve to lead 2-0 in the second set and though she could not consolidate the break, it ended Barty’s streak of 63 straight service games.

You might also like this

Barty wins first title of 2022, beats Rybakina in Adelaide – then picks up doubles trophy with Sanders

tennis majors

Ash Barty in 2021: Wimbledon champion, Undisputed No 1, engaged

tennis majors

It’s a blockbuster, but not the one we expected: Brilliant Anisimova stuns Osaka at Australian Open; Barty next

tennis majors