Australian teenager Ashleigh Barty says she’s pumped for a shot at redemption after powering into the US Open second round for the first time.
The 17-year-old wildcard thumped Spaniard Estrella Cabeza Candela – a player ranked 67 spots above her – 6-1 6-4 to book a date with 32nd-seeded Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Pavlyuchenkova humbled Barty for the loss of just two games in Kuala Lumpur this year, but the former Wimbledon junior champion is confident of applying coach Jason Stoltenberg’s advice to give the Russian a run for her money.
“She really taught me a lesson but you know I’m just looking forward to it,” Barty said.
“I was happy with the way I played today and I’m just looking forward to my second round in the next couple of days.
“I’ll have a talk to Jase when I see him. I’m sure he’ll have all positive things but, I’m just really pumped to get through and play two good sets.”
After winning junior Wimbledon at 15 and reaching two major doubles finals this year with Casey Dellacqua, Barty is also starting to make big strides in the singles senior ranks.
The Queenslander also reached the second round of the French Open and is aiming to go further in New York.
“I know if I play my best, I can beat anybody really,” Barty said.
Dellacqua, 2011 champion Samantha Stosur and lucky loser Olivia Rogowska will look to join Barty in the second round when they open their campaigns on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), weather permitting, after rain forced an early end to the opening day’s action.
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