Top-seed Ash Barty cruised into the second round of the Australian Open after defeating Lesia Tsurenko on Monday in the opening round.
The Australian world number one thrashed Ukrainian qualifier by 6-0, 6-1 in a match that lasted for just 54 minutes at Rod Laver Arena.
No.1 seed Barty's quest for a first Australian Open title got off to a perfect start with a 6-0, 6-1 rout of qualifier Lesia Tsurenko in 54 minutes. Two years ago, the Australian had been given a scare by the Ukrainian at the same stage of her home major, eventually pulling through 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
But the rematch was more akin to her 2021 opener, in which she double-bageled Danka Kovinic of Montenegro in 44 minutes.
The Wimbledon champion raced through the first 11 games, facing game points in only one of them. Barty struck 14 winners, including five aces, to 17 unforced errors, and maintained a 58 per cent first serve percentage.
Barty was in control of almost every exchange, dragging the world No. 119 Tsurenko around the court in all directions with slices and heavy forehands.
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