Australian Barty moves into quarter-finals in first event backMixed day for
British players as six warm-up events underwayAsh Barty has showcased her fighting qualities on an extraordinary day of pre-Australian Open
Tennis at Melbourne Park. After a near year-long hiatus, Australia’s world No 1 advanced to the quarter-finals in her first tournament back with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 victory over dogged Czech Marie Bouzkova.
Barty’s gritty win sent a reminder to her rivals on the eve of Thursday night’s Open draw and on a day of unprecedented women’s talent on display. The world’s top six female players, as well as 23-times grand slam winner
Serena Williams, former Open champions Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber and
French Open titleholder Iga Swiatek were all on show.