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Barty Wimbledon
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Barty through as emotional Navarro bids farewell to Wimbledon


World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty battled through the first round of 2021 with a three sets win against Carla Suarez Navarro at Wimbledon.

The Aussie defeated the 32-year-old 6-1, 6-7, 6-1 in one hours and two minutes in the opening round on Centre Court at the All England Club.

Barty was a heavy favourite entering the match, as she began her quest to win a second Major title. The Centre Court crowd were visibly impressed by the level of Barty’s tennis, as she secured a couple of comfortable breaks to dominate the first set 6-1.

Navarro fought back with immense defence, craft and fight. Barty served for the match at 5-4, but the lack of recent wins was evident as the Spaniard broke back for 5-5. Navarro took advantage of the Barty lapse by superbly taking the tie-break 7-1.

The World No.1 did not hang about in the deciding set, racing into a 5-0 lead and winning it 6-1 to book her place in round two. Barty hit 13 aces and 37 winners.

“Incredible to play on Centre Court. Simona is a great champion, she deserved to open up. It’s an incredible honour to be out here. It was incredible to share the court with Carla, she’s a fighter, an incredible competitor and a lovely person.”

“I feel great, a lot better on grass, it’s less forgiving on the body. I’m 100% ready to play and loving every minute.” Barty said in her post-match interview.

Barty will face either Anna Blinkova or Timea Babos in the second round.


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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.