Australia's Ash Barty defeats the Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 6-0 6-1 in AusOpen qualifier
With the tournament desperate for some good mojo, the hometown favourite provided some welcome relief from the Novak Djokovic scandal which saw the men’s No.1 booted from the country.
Tsurenko found this out the hard way, not getting on the scoreboard in the opening set which Barty won in just 24 minutes. Despite toppling fellow giants John Isner and Marin Cilic en route to the Adelaide International final, where he won his first Tour-level title last week, Kokkinakis has no answer to the German’s powerful serve.
The towering Yannick Hanfmann has grabbed a two-sets-to-love lead, with Kokkinakis’ stunning lead-in form nowhere to be seen. That’s what Spaniard Pedro Martinez and Argentinian Federico Delbonis did during their marathon first-set tiebreak, rushing to the aid of a ballgirl who had collapsed due to the heat on the outdoor court.
Gauff’s only bright spot in a one-sided second set came as she saved four match points from 5-0 down. It is a huge opportunity for Kokkinakis to continue his winning run of form, with Hanfmann ranked just inside the world’s top 100. You’d say he barely broke a sweat in the 6-1 6-4 6-2 thrashing, but we know the Spaniard is one of the most prolific sweaters on tour.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Focus on what you can control’: Ash Barty butts out of Novak sagaAsh Barty has a simple answer to the distraction of the Djokovic visa saga - she’s ignored it.
Read more »
Philippoussis: How Barty snuck up on the worldBest slice backhand in the world and brilliant around the court . . . Ash Barty is perfectly placed to become first Aussie in 44 years to win the AusOpen, writes Mark Philippoussis From our friends at codesportsau 👇 AshBarty BartyParty
Read more »
Australian Open 2022 Live Updates: Novak Djokovic deported, Ash Barty, Naomi Osaka and Thanasi Kokkinakis in first round actionThe action is finally getting under way on the court at the Australian Open, with Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka Ash Barty headlining the opening day. Follow our live coverage:
Read more »
Barty on alert for first Aus Open opponentWorld No.1 Ash Barty is on high alert for her Australian Open first-round clash against veteran qualifier Lesia Tsurenko on Monday.
Read more »
‘Let’s see what this one brings’: Barty ready to embrace fresh assault on Australian Open crownIdeally primed for Melbourne Park this coming fortnight, Ashleigh Barty must either forget the near misses of the past two years in Melbourne, or draw lessons from them | scottspits SMHsport
Read more »
Tongan tsunami damage remains unknown as volcanic ash hinders responseThe extent of damage in Tonga following a volcanic eruption remains unknown, with authorities yet to make contact with some coastal areas and smaller islands.
Read more »