Wimbledon 2021: Ash Barty eases past fellow Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic to reach maiden semifinal at the All England Club

Wimbledon 2021: Ash Barty eases past fellow Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic to reach maiden semifinal at the All England Club

Ashleigh Barty

World No.1 Ash Barty proved her mettle on centre court once again as she beat countrywoman Ajla Tomljanovic in the quarterfinal of Wimbledon 2021. In a match that lasted just over an hour, Barty, the 2019 Roland Garros champion won in straight sets 6-1,6-3.

Barty started slowly, losing the first game easily but bounced back like a champion, winning all the next six games to win the opening set 6-1. She was very dominant on serve and returned very well to open the court and go for a winner.

The second set was more competitive than the first one. Tomljanovic didn’t look nervous anymore and served well. She also managed to break Barty’s serve but was broken herself the very next game. Barty again won 3 games in a row to clinch the set 6-3.

‘It’s the ultimate test’: Barty on facing Kerber next

Ash Barty
Ash Barty

In the on court interview, Barty praised her friend and foe, Tomljanovic, and revealed how difficult it was today.

She said: “Ajla is an incredible competitor. I have practiced with her, played with her because we are Fed Cup teammates and 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’s had an incredible fortnight and all Aussies back home are very proud of her and it was really nice to share the court with her.”

Barty has made it to the semifinal at Wimbledon for the first time. She spoke about her feelings. “This is a dream come true. I know you here that a lot as athletes but this is my dream and I’m extremely grateful to get this opportunity to come out here and have fun and live out what I worked so hard to do and I’m loving and enjoying every minute and this afternoon tonight was no different.”

The top seed will now face former champion Angelique Kerber in the semifinals. She regarded the semifinal contest as the ‘ultimate test.’

“It’s the ultimate test. Angie has had success here before and had the best fortnight here possible. I love that matchup. I love playing Angie. She’s an incredible competitor. She loves knows her way around this court and I hope that I can play well and give myself a chance.”

Also read: Wimbledon 2021: Aryna Sabalenka powers into her maiden grand slam semifinal, thrashes Ons Jabeur