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Barty Wimbledon
Tennis News, Wimbledon, WTA Tennis Players

World No. 1 battles through to Wimbledon round three


World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty came through a difficult second round match at 2021 Wimbledon against Anna Blinkova.

The Aussie defeated the 22-year-old 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 30 minutes in the opening round on Centre Court at the All England Club.

Barty is on the hunt for a second Major title, however has suffered with a hip injury in 2021 which forced her out of all grass court preparation events. The Russian made a fantastic start to the biggest match of her career, breaking the World No.1 in her opening service game. Barty soon found her stride and started to hit winners for fun, recovering the break and going onto win the opener 6-4.

The 25-year-old didn’t play her best tennis throughout, but crucially won the important points, saving five from eight break points. At 4-3, Barty zoned in, producing some outstanding tennis to move within one game of round three. Despite Blinkova’s best efforts to turn the match around, it was Barty that progressed in straight sets.

“This is a beautiful court. Grass court tennis is for me, I wish we could play the whole year on grass. It’s a traditional surface and I just love it. It felt like a long two years away, but I enjoyed being back out here today.” Barty said in her post-match interview.

“She played a great match today. A couple of points could of went her way and it would have been a different story. I’m happy to get through and get another opportunity to play. It’s been a great year so far, Wimbledon wouldn’t be the same without fans.”

Barty will face Katerina Siniakova in the third 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.