Tennis golden girl Ash Barty survives mid-match scare in a thrilling three-setter to advance to the quarter finals of the Australian Open
World number one Ash Barty is through to the final eight of the the Australian Open after storming home in a three set thriller.
Australia’s golden girl of tennis survived a mid-match scare to down US world number 18 Alison Riske to win 6-3 1-6 6-4 to book a quarter finals berth.
The heart-stopping win sets up a showdown with Petra Kvitova on Tuesday.
Ash Barty is through to the Australian Open quarter finals fore the second year in a row
‘It was third time a charm for me last week, so I think third time a charm tonight. I just had to hang in there,’ she told Channel Nine commentator Jim Courier moments after her win.
‘It was very tough from different ends, playing very differently. Yeah, but I just had to hang in there, try and give myself a chance.
‘It was exceptionally hard when the balls were new from this end. That end you can’t really feel it, but this end, you really feel it, have to be smart, use it. I struggled tonight, but was able to get big holds I needed.’
It’s the second year in a row Barty has progressed to the final eight in Melbourne.
‘I’m just excited I get another opportunity in a quarter final of a Grand Slam. You don’t get those every week, so I’m really excited.’
More to come.