24 January,2022 07:20 AM IST | Melbourne | AFP
Ashleigh Barty returns to Amanda Anisimova during their Rd 4 tie yesterday. Pic/Getty Images
Ashleigh Barty warned she will make life difficult as she closed on a first Australian Open title by dismantling giant-killer Amanda Anisimova on Sunday. The steely Australian World No.1 won 6-4, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena to halt the charge of the unseeded American, who stunned defending champion Naomi Osaka in round three.
Top-seed Barty, who is aiming to become Australia's first women's champion on home soil in 44 years, will now face 21st seeded American Jessica Pegula in Tuesday's quarter-finals. "Each and every player, there are some similarities, but certainly tactics and the way that I want to play is unique to each and every player," said Barty, 25, an insight into the mindset of one of the best tacticians in tennis. "I try and adapt my game as best as I can to try and make my opponent uncomfortable and that will be no different when Jess and I play in a couple days' time. My job is to try and make her uncomfortable and hopefully I can execute that, have some fun with it, and make life difficult for her."
Madison Keys
Earlier, big-serving Madison Keys stunned eighth seed Paula Badosa to power into the quarter-finals for a third time on Sunday in a clash between two of the season's most in-form players. The unseeded American had a unforgettable year in 2021 but thrives in Australia and comfortably toppled Badosa 6-3, 6-1 in sweltering heat on Rod Laver Arena.
Meanwhile, French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova shattered the dreams of two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka to set up a quarter-final with Keys. The fourth seed won the baseline battle to oust the veteran Belarusian Azarenka, who was struggling with a neck problem, 6-2, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena. Victory set up a showdown with the unseeded Keys for a berth in the Last 4.
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