Melbourne
World number one Ashleigh Barty made light work of Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova Saturday, with the home hope unfazed by the sterile surroundings at the newly fan-free Australian Open.
Barty’s all-round prowess frustrated the big-hitting 29th seed in the 6-2, 6-4 third-round clash in an empty Margaret Court Arena on the first day of Melbourne’s snap, five-day lockdown.
“It was strange. Something I’ve never experienced before,” Barty said about playing without spectators. “I didn’t want it to affect my game.
“I love hearing the sound of the ball. Made it feel like practice.” She will face Shelby Rogers in the fourth round after the American dispatched Estonian 21st seed Anett Kontaveit 6-4, 6-3.
Barty’s left thigh was again heavily strapped, but she moved around freely to dispel any injury concerns after pulling out of the women’s doubles on Friday.
The 24-year-old’s unwavering accuracy and canny slices ended an impressive run for Alexandrova, who arrived in hot form after upsetting world number two Simona Halep and French Open champion Iga Swiatek at last week’s Gippsland Trophy.—APP
