Australian Open: World number one Ash Barty dumped out as fans set to return after snap Covid-19 lockdown
- Czech Karolina Muchova rallies from a set down to ruin Barty’s dreams of winning her home grand slam
- Fans will return to action from Thursday after Victoria State Premier Dan Andrews announces end of snap lockdown
World number one Ash Barty’s bid to become the first home-grown Australian Open champion since Chris O’Neil in 1978 ended in a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 quarter-final defeat to Karolina Muchova on Wednesday.
The Czech 25th seed rallied after a lengthy medical timeout in the second set to secure a place in her first grand slam semi-final, where she will meet Jennifer Brady, who beat fellow American Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Barty’s shock exit from the tournament came as the state of Victoria announced that a snap coronavirus lockdown would be lifted at midnight on Wednesday, allowing fans to return for the last four days.
Muchova played poorly at the start and Barty raced to a 5-0 lead while losing only six points. After nine games, Muchova had one winner and 18 unforced errors, and early in the second set, she took an injury timeout that lasted nearly 10 minutes.
“I started feeling a bit lost,” Muchova said. “Ash started very good. She played almost like no mistakes; it was very tough. I was a bit lost on the court and my head was spinning, so I took a break. And it helped me.”
