WTA Beijing: Ashleigh Barty makes comeback against Kiki Bertens
Ashleigh Barty is in the final of the WTA Premier 5 tournament in Beijing. The world number one defeated Kiki Bertens after a thriller with 6: 3, 3: 6 and 7: 6 (7).
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Oct 05, 2019, 11:06 am
Then Kiki Bertens' arm got too heavy again: The Dutchman served at the 5: 4 standpoint to reach the final of the WTA Premier 5 tournament in Beijing, initially fending off two break opportunities from Ashleigh Barty. The Australian managed to equalize. Then the Dutchman quickly led 3-0 in the tie-break, but there was still a draw when changing after six points.
A few moments later, however, Bertens showed strong nerves, courageously fending off Barty's first match ball with the forehand. The number one in the world didn't want to be left behind. And happened to Bertens on their first and ultimately only chance. Because matchball number two ended in favor of the Australian, who left the Diamond Court in Beijing as the winner after a playing time of 2:19 hours and a 6: 3, 3: 6, 7: 6 (7).
In the final against Osaka or Wozniacki
Again against Kiki Bertens. Barty had won all four games against the Dutch, but with the exception of the quarter-final encounter in Montreal in 2018, the two top players always played close matches.
The second semi-final will be determined between Naomi Osaka and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki. The Japanese had ended the 17-match winning streak of US Open champion Bianca Andreescu on Friday, defeating Wozniacki Daria Kasatkina in two tight sets.