Tokyo 2020: Ash Barty out after upset defeat
World number one Ashleigh Barty has been knocked out of the Olympics after a shock first-round defeat by Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain.
This month, Barty won her second Grand Slam title after an impressive Wimbledon victory, but she could do little at the 48th-ranked Spanish player took her out of Tokyo 2020 singles contention in a 6-4 6-3 straight-set defeat.
Barty will still compete in the doubles draw – she and compatriot Storm Sanders reached the second round on the first day of the competition.
The world number one’s performance was unusually error-strewn, with the Australian player making 55 unforced errors to the Spaniard’s 13. But highlighting the errors in Barty’s game should not take away from an impressive performance by Sorribes Tormo, who showcased some proficient playing and a level head to defeat her formidable opponent.
Barty swiftly fell 4-1 behind as she struggled to get her forehand going, but she managed to mount a comeback in the sixth game. She reached two break points, and after a rally, she sealed the break. It was backhand technique that delivered another game, as the Spanish player overhit a shot in response to continued pressure. There was drama as Sorribes Tormo used two challenges in a row to contest Barty saves that were on the edge of the court lines, but then an unforced error gave the first set to the Spanish player.
Both players produced 27 unforced errors in the second set, but Sorribes Tormo also boasted a 92% success rate on her first serve, and it proved significant. Barty was broken in the first game, but swiftly levelled 1-1. It appeared the Australian might fight back, but the Spaniard rescued two break points in the sixth game to lead 4-3, and she then took control. Her game was decisive where it needed to be, and soon the world number one was stunned.
After her win, Sorribes Tormo said: “It’s something I’ve been dreaming all my life, being here and, even more, beating a number one. It’s an amazing feeling. I still can’t believe it.”
She will face France’s Lativa Anastasija Sevastova in the next round.
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