“What the hell” Ash Barty shook to the core over US Open drama
Tennis star Ash Barty’s preparation for the fourth round US Open has been called into question after she was hit in the face with a shock to lower-ranking Chinese opponent, Qiang Wang.
The Australian world no. 2 was far from her best on Sunday when she crashed out of the singles in a shocking 6-2, 6-4 loss.
Barty hit 39 unforced errors and went on a 0/9 break point opportunities - just one day after playing a lengthy 150 minute doubles match while her opponent rested up.
Her love for doubles has been undeniable and it skyrocketed her into the eye of the public after reaching the finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon back in 2013.
The stunning defeat has resulted in a heap of criticism from a number of fans and experts with critics questioning whether her preparation for her big match against Wang let her down.
Ash Barty clearly out of sorts.. those doubles matches must be wearing on her #USOpen
— Karthik K (@agentscorpion) September 1, 2019
I think the long doubles match that Ash Barty played yesterday is weighing heavy on her today. Down a set and a break to Wang Qiang.#USOpen
— Uday...💖💥 (@UdaySinghBhati6) September 1, 2019
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Barty is hoping to win this year’s US Open women’s double title with Victoria Azarenka as she did last year alongside Coco Vandeweghe.
Barty and Victoria Azarenka won their doubles clash 12-10 in a nail biting third set tiebreaker, but viewers suggested she would have been better off resting
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However, in typical Barty style, the Australian did not dwell on the difficult loss and instead reflected on an incredible grand slam season.
"It's been incredible. Yeah, I mean, it's a tough day at the office today, but it's been a year where we've hit our goals. Obviously I would have loved to have kept going here in singles, but we've got an opportunity to do that in doubles," Barty said.
"Knowing what it was like last year to be able to lift the trophy in doubles was really cool. To be able to have another opportunity to do that now, still being able to play in doubles, is a bonus.
"We've had a great season in grand slams for singles. We've made the second week every single one, which has been really special.
"Now we'll sit back, reflect, and look forward to a big couple months to finish off the year."