‘It’s not a concern for me,’ Ashleigh Barty dismisses winning line wobbles
Ashleigh Barty has dismissed concerns that she is struggling to serve out matches at US Open, insisting her recent Wimbledon win will help her handle pressure.
The world number one progressed to last 32 with a 6-1, 7-5 against young Danish talent Clara Tauson. Barty looked to be cruising at 6-1, 5-3 before a couple of poor games saw her opponent level. The Aussie regrouped to close out the match in straight sets.
Barty failed to serve out the match in her opening round win against Vera Zvonareva, sparking questions over her ability to reach the winning line.
“Serving for the match, it’s happened a few times, but I have won 40-odd matches and it hasn’t happened a lot. You guys can write about it as much as you like. It’s not a concern for me,” Barty said.
“It’s just a few of those games I haven’t been able to get up and hit my spots on first serves. When you give good players looks at second serves, you’re going to get hurt. It’s simple as that.”
“I think there have been a few matches where it’s happened but there have been absolutely plenty where it doesn’t. It’s not a concern, not something that I focus on.”
Barty has won five titles in 2021, including adding her second Major title at Wimbledon last month. The 25-year-old dominated in Cincinnati in a perfect preparation event and is eager to carry the winning momentum into New York
“Wimbledon was a long time ago,” she said. “I mean, there is momentum in a sense of that was one of my greatest goals was to win that tournament. I think playing and understanding how to win Grand Slams is very unique.”
“Two weeks is a long time to be focused and to be able to have a bit of luck, stay healthy. I’ve learnt that the hard way that sometimes it doesn’t always go your way. But also, it’s a different surface, a different tournament and completely different conditions.” Barty added.
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