Barty books place in Australian Open quarters

Melbourne (Australia), Jan 23 (EFE).- Top-seeded local star Ashleigh Barty on Sunday put on a solid show to beat one of the Australian Open’s young sensations Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3, booking her spot in the quarter finals.

The Australian will face Jessica Peluga in the next round.

Barty’s straight set victory against Anisimova on Sunday brought the American’s journey in the Australian Open to an end, one that included a stunning victory over defending champion Naomi Osaka.

Elsewhere at Melbourne Park, fourth seed Czech Barbora Krejcikova and United States’ Madison Keys eased past their opponents to set up quarter final clashes.

Krejcikova, the biggest 2021 sensation after her surprise victory in the French Open, had no trouble in steamrolling 24th seed Belarussian Victoria Azarenka in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) in just one hour and 24 minutes.

Azarenka, two times Australian Open champion in 2012 and 2013, was a pale shadow of her former self, while her opponent continued her fine form, hitting 23 winners to set up her first-ever encounter with the unseeded Keys.

Keys made short work of eighth seed Spaniard Paula Badosa, beating her 6-3, 6-1 in 69 minutes.

After having a forgettable 2021, Keys began 2022 on a high after sealing a victory in the Sydney Classic earlier this month. EFE

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