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ASHLEIGH BARTY Wimbledon 2021
Tennis News, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis Players

‘Playing Kerber is the ultimate test’ – Ash Barty powers into semi-finals


Ashleigh Barty spoke of relishing the prospect of facing Angelique Kerber after defeating Ajla Tomljanovic in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon.

The world No. 1 cruised past fellow Australian Tomljanovic 6-1, 6-3 to reach the last four of The Championships for the first time.

The 25-year-old will face 2018 Wimbledon winner and 25th seed Kerber in the semi-finals. The German has won three of the pair’s five previous matches – including the most recent at the 2019 Hopman Cup.

“It’s exciting [to reach the semi-finals]. Ajla is an incredible competitor, I’ve practised with her a lot. I’ve played with her, we’re Fed Cup teammates,” Barty said in an on-court interview.

“She was always going to bring out the very best in me. I had to play my absolute best to be able to compete with her. She has had an incredible fortnight.

“I think all Aussies back home are bloody proud of her. It’s the ultimate test [playing Kerber]. Angie has obviously had success here before, and had the best fortnight here possible.

“And I love that matchup, I love playing Angie, she’s an incredible competitor. She knows her way around this court. I hope that I can play well and give myself a chance, and play a good match.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.