Yarra Valley Classic 2021: Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers – Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Yarra Valley Classic 2021: Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers – Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers

World No.1 and top seed Ashleigh Barty will be up against American Shelby Rogers in the 2021 WTA Yarra Valley Classic quarterfinals on Thursday, February 4.

Match Details:

  • Fixture: Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers
  • Date: February 4th, 2021
  • Tournament: Yarra Valley Classic 2021
  • Round: Quarter-final
  • Venue: Melbourne, Australia
  • Surface: Outdoor hardcourt

Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers: Match Preview

Ashleigh Barty

Returning back on the WTA tour after a year’s gap, Australian top seed, Ash Barty proved in the second round of this event that she has not lost her World No.1 quality.

Although Barty bagelled Marie Bouzkova to begin her match towards what looked like a straightforward win; the World No.1 failed to capitalize on her strong start and lost the second set. The third set was slightly bizarre in the manner in which both players lost their serves so regularly but the Australian proved to be decisive in the end as she got the better off Bouzkova in two hours to set up this tough meet with Shelby Rogers.

FS Video

Replicating her best performance of last year which came out at the US Open, Shelby continues to impress as she took down seventh seeded Petra Martic in the third round and make it to yet another last 8 stage appearance. Interestingly, despite being ranked lower than her Croatian opponent, Rogers had gone into this encounter as a favorite and she sure played like one.

The American had earlier stunned Fiona Ferro and overcome Rebecca Peterson in the first two rounds of the competition.

Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers: Head to head

Shelby Rogers

This is second time the two players will square off against each other on the tour. In their previous meeting that came in Melbourne itself, Barty needed just two sets to get past Rogers in the second round of the 2017 Australian Open. The head to head is led by Barty – 1-0.

Ashleigh Barty v Shelby Rogers: Match Prediction

Ashleigh Barty

This encounter is going to be a well-stretched battle as Rogers’ good form could mean she could trouble her Australian opponent.

Rogers is noted for her victories against the top-ranking players which include Simona Halep, Serena Williams and the American boasts of a spotless record over two-time Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova. Given these facts, Rogers poses to be a threat in the way of Barty in the last 8.

However, a three-setter should be expected at the end of which Barty will come out as an exception to what Rogers’ is known for – victories against top ranking players.

Match Prediction: Ashleigh Barty in three sets.

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