World number one Australian Ashleigh Barty faced Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round of the Australian Open.
Barty was able to overcome a shaky start, winning against her Russian opponent 6-2, 6-4, to advance to the Round of 16 at the Australian Open. Barty's victory was achieved despite facing a break of serve initially, but she quickly regained her rhythm, winning the first set after Alexandrova made her 16th straightforward error by sending the ball into the net. In the second set, Barty faced another break of serve but ultimately secured the victory by breaking her opponent's serve for the fifth and last time.
It is noteworthy that the Australian champion Ashleigh Barty will meet American Shelby Rogers in the Round of 16. Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, aims to become the first Australian woman to win the singles title at the tournament since 1978.
