Barty books Wuhan final spot
Ashleigh Barty upsets French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko to reach first WTA Premier-level singles final.
Wuhan, China, 29 September 2017 | tennis.com.au
Ashleigh Barty is into the biggest final of her singles career after a sensational 6-3 6-0 victory over world No.9 Jelena Ostapenko in the Wuhan semifinals.
The 21-year-old from Queensland outcrafted the reigning French Open champion in 74 minutes. Not even a short rain delay in the fourth game could halt Barty’s momentum, who served seven aces in the victory.
Barty has now recorded four consecutive top 15 wins in a career-defining run this week.
“It been an unbelievable week,” Barty said. “We’ve played some really good tennis. I think for us, we’ve been able to play a really consistent level throughout every match. We haven’t had any real drops. We’ve been able to change things tactically a little bit and be able to implement those really well.”
The world No.37 is projected to rise to a new career-high of No.23 after her Wuhan performance. Ranked No.271 in January, Barty could rise as high as No.19 if she wins the title.
Barty, who will contest a doubles semifinal alongside Casey Dellacqua later today, plays either Frenchwoman Caroline Garcia or Greek qualifier Maria Sakkari in tomorrow’s singles final.
“I think every match is the same for me. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first round at Wimbledon or the final here tomorrow. I think for me I try and approach the match the exact same way,” Barty said.