Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday.

The 21-year-old Belarusian, who was playing in her first final since winning the Shenzhen Open in China in January, was beaten in straight sets by China's Zheng Saisai.

But the points she collected from reaching the final means she moves ahead of Serena Williams who drops to 10.&nbsp;

Zheng was the week's biggest mover, climbing 17 places to 38.

Roland Garros winner Ashleigh Barty is still number one ahead of Naomi Osaka as the players head to Montreal where a lot of points are at stake.

WTA rankings as of August 5

1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6,605 pts

2. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,228

3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6,055

4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,933

5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,130

6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,785

7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,737

8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3,773

9. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,565 (+1)

10. Serena Williams (USA) 3,410 (-1)

11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,356

12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2,963

13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,875

14. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,745

15. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2,652

16. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2,647

17. Madison Keys (USA) 2,556

18. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 2,478

19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,335

20. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,180

...

38. Zheng Saisai (CHN) 1360 (+17)

39. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 1,335 (-1)

56. Venus Williams (USA) 986 (-6)

81. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 740 (+1)

Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday.

Aryna Sabalenka's disappointment at losing the San Jose WTA final over the weekend may be offset to a small extent by her rise to number nine in the latest rankings released by the WTA on Monday. The 21-year-old Belarusian, who was playing in her first final since winning the Shenzhen Open in China in January, was beaten in straight sets by China's Zheng Saisai. But the points she collected from reaching the final means she moves ahead of Serena Williams who drops to 10. Zheng was the week's biggest mover, climbing 17 places to 38. Roland Garros winner Ashleigh Barty is still number one ahead of Naomi Osaka as the players head to Montreal where a lot of points are at stake. WTA rankings as of August 5 1. Ashleigh Barty (AUS) 6,605 pts 2. Naomi Osaka (JPN) 6,228 3. Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 6,055 4. Simona Halep (ROU) 5,933 5. Kiki Bertens (NED) 5,130 6. Petra Kvitova (CZE) 4,785 7. Elina Svitolina (UKR) 4,737 8. Sloane Stephens (USA) 3,773 9. Aryna Sabalenka (BLR) 3,565 (+1) 10. Serena Williams (USA) 3,410 (-1) 11. Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) 3,356 12. Belinda Bencic (SUI) 2,963 13. Angelique Kerber (GER) 2,875 14. Johanna Konta (GBR) 2,745 15. Marketa Vondrousova (CZE) 2,652 16. Qiang Wang (CHN) 2,647 17. Madison Keys (USA) 2,556 18. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) 2,478 19. Anett Kontaveit (EST) 2,335 20. Elise Mertens (BEL) 2,180 ... 38. Zheng Saisai (CHN) 1360 (+17) 39. Victoria Azarenka (BLR) 1,335 (-1) 56. Venus Williams (USA) 986 (-6) 81. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 740 (+1)

Aryna Sabalenka moves up to ninth in WTA rankings

Defending champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/second-seed-naomi-osaka-crashes-out-in-first-round-of-wimbledon-232123&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjT_KrHmL7jAhXi63MBHXA4Ba4QFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Vn_-sn9OlWf7mMv-fRruM">Naomi Osaka</a> and runner-up <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/simona-halep-beats-serena-williams-to-win-wimbledon-singles-title-235579&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1BZlAmjATmmBjhMu3FNzfC">Serena Williams</a> are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26.

Osaka and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-saw-therapist-after-us-open-meltdown-apologises-to-naomi-osaka-234558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivrbOsmL7jAhVZi3AKHd8_CwEQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rk_AeqjhObnjob5ZpZauH">Williams </a>will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw.

Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24.

The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA.

The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.&nbsp;

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.

Defending champion Naomi Osaka and runner-up Serena Williams are among the 13 Grand Slam winners to compete at the US Open, beginning August 26. Osaka and Williams will be joined by world number one Ashleigh Barty, the 2017 US Open champion and world number eight Sloane Stephens, two-time US Open champion Venus Williams, the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and the 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova. Others to take part in the tournament include two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, the 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza, the 2018 Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki, and the 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. America's number 43 CiCi Bellis and number 100 and former US Open semifinalist CoCo Vandeweghe used the special ranking to gain entry into the main draw. Top 102 Women Tennis Association (WTA) players in the latest edition of the rankings will get direct entry to the tournament, WTA quoted the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Sixteen more players will gain entry through the US Open Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from August 19 to 24. The remaining eight spots will be filled through wildcards awarded by the USTA. The United States has 15 women players who qualified for direct entry into the US Open's main draw.

Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams to compete at US Open

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-fined-10000-for-damaging-wimbledon-court-234198">Serena Williams</a> to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul.

Having looked assured last week, while Williams was not altogether convincing, it was 23-year-old Australian Barty who cracked and went down in three sets to unseeded American Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

There was one consolation for Barty as Karolina Pliskova could have taken her number one spot but the Czech third seed went out as well in a marathon duel beaten by compatriot Karolina Muchova 4-6, 7-5, 13-11.

Williams, bidding for a 24th Grand Slam title to tie with Australian Margaret Court, will play Riske next after trouncing Carla Suzarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2.

"It is a tough one to swallow but I lost to a better player," said Barty, who had been hoping to become the first Australian champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980.

For Riske it was perhaps an unexpected early wedding present -&nbsp;she gets married after Wimbledon Stephen Amritraj, the son of former Indian Davis Cup player Anand -&nbsp;but extremely well-earned.

It will be the 29-year-old's first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final.

"I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash. The grass definitely brings out the best in me. Hopefully it will rub off and happen in other places too," said Riske.

The prospect of playing Williams did not have her knees knocking together in fear either.

Halep unlike <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-never-give-up-says-gauff-as-she-bows-out-of-wimbledon-234181">Gauff's</a> previous opponents did not let a partisan crowd nor some audacious strokeplay by the American unnerve her and always had the upper hand.

Gauff did save three match points but in the end former world number one Halep had little trouble in closing out the match.

The American, though, leaves having given the women's game a much-needed shot in the arm and announced herself as a future Grand Slam contender.

'Feel a relief'

Williams, whose clay court season was affected by a knee injury, said the hunger for the game and for victory is as strong as ever.&nbsp;

"I always get excited," said Williams after her victory which put her into a 14th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-roger-federer-bags-more-records-as-he-downs-lucas-pouille-to-reach-last-16-233734">Wimbledon </a>quarter-final.

"I'm a really pumped player. That's my personality. Of course I still I want it or else I wouldn't be here," Williams added.

Williams has teamed up with another former world number one Andy Murray in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-serena-williams-form-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-dream-team-232624">mixed doubles</a> to accrue more matches and she said that the more she played she more she was finding her rhythm.&nbsp;

"It definitely is good, I know that I can play and now that I'm feeling better physically, I almost feel a relief more than anything. Finally I can play tennis," she said.

Williams, who won her first match with Murray on Saturday, said she will not be taking Riske for granted.

"Last time I faced a fellow American, I lost," she said in reference to her loss to Sofia Kenin at Roland Garros.

"She's great on the grass and took out the number one player in the world who's just won a grass court tournament (Barty won in Birmingham)," Williams said.

Zhang Shuai became the first Chinese woman since Li Na in 2013 to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

World number 50 Zhang defeated Ukraine teenager Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 - a result far from her mind when she was talked out of retiring at her lowest point in 2015.

The 30-year-old, who faces Halep for a place in the semi-finals, thanked her close friend and doubles partner Australia's Sam Stosur for convincing her to stick with it.

"She's (Stosur) such a nice girl, and she told me when I said I wanted to retire, and she really wanted that I keep going to play,"&nbsp;Shuai said.

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for Serena Williams to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul.

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday, opening the way for Serena Williams to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul. Having looked assured last week, while Williams was not altogether convincing, it was 23-year-old Australian Barty who cracked and went down in three sets to unseeded American Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2. There was one consolation for Barty as Karolina Pliskova could have taken her number one spot but the Czech third seed went out as well in a marathon duel beaten by compatriot Karolina Muchova 4-6, 7-5, 13-11. Williams, bidding for a 24th Grand Slam title to tie with Australian Margaret Court, will play Riske next after trouncing Carla Suzarez Navarro 6-2, 6-2. "It is a tough one to swallow but I lost to a better player," said Barty, who had been hoping to become the first Australian champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second title in 1980. For Riske it was perhaps an unexpected early wedding present - she gets married after Wimbledon Stephen Amritraj, the son of former Indian Davis Cup player Anand - but extremely well-earned. It will be the 29-year-old's first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final. "I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash. The grass definitely brings out the best in me. Hopefully it will rub off and happen in other places too," said Riske. The prospect of playing Williams did not have her knees knocking together in fear either. Halep unlike Gauff's previous opponents did not let a partisan crowd nor some audacious strokeplay by the American unnerve her and always had the upper hand. Gauff did save three match points but in the end former world number one Halep had little trouble in closing out the match. The American, though, leaves having given the women's game a much-needed shot in the arm and announced herself as a future Grand Slam contender. 'Feel a relief' Williams, whose clay court season was affected by a knee injury, said the hunger for the game and for victory is as strong as ever. "I always get excited," said Williams after her victory which put her into a 14th Wimbledon quarter-final. "I'm a really pumped player. That's my personality. Of course I still I want it or else I wouldn't be here," Williams added. Williams has teamed up with another former world number one Andy Murray in the mixed doubles to accrue more matches and she said that the more she played she more she was finding her rhythm. "It definitely is good, I know that I can play and now that I'm feeling better physically, I almost feel a relief more than anything. Finally I can play tennis," she said. Williams, who won her first match with Murray on Saturday, said she will not be taking Riske for granted. "Last time I faced a fellow American, I lost," she said in reference to her loss to Sofia Kenin at Roland Garros. "She's great on the grass and took out the number one player in the world who's just won a grass court tournament (Barty won in Birmingham)," Williams said. Zhang Shuai became the first Chinese woman since Li Na in 2013 to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals. World number 50 Zhang defeated Ukraine teenager Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 1-6, 6-2 - a result far from her mind when she was talked out of retiring at her lowest point in 2015. The 30-year-old, who faces Halep for a place in the semi-finals, thanked her close friend and doubles partner Australia's Sam Stosur for convincing her to stick with it. "She's (Stosur) such a nice girl, and she told me when I said I wanted to retire, and she really wanted that I keep going to play," Shuai said.

Wimbledon: Ashleigh Barty, Karolina Pliskova exit as Serena Williams sails through to quarter-finals

Ashleigh Barty's bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year stayed on track with a 6-1, 6-3 second-round victory over Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Australian world number one will play either British wild card <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-clarke-dumps-dart-last-minute-to-pair-up-with-cori-gauff-for-mixed-doubles-233018">Harriet Dart</a> or Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia for a place in the last 16.

"I had to make a lot of returns first and foremost and then try and nullify her variety a little bit," she said.

Barty, who if she achieves the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double will be only the eighth woman to do so, said she would switch off from tennis for the moment.&nbsp;

"I'm sure there's some cricket on or something," she said in reference to the ongoing World Cup in England where Australia have made the semi-finals.

Barty seized the initiative from the outset on Thursday breaking Van Uytvanck, who had eliminated 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round of last year's tournament, twice in succession.

She repeated that in the second set and although the 25-year-old Belgian broke <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-embraces-number-one-tag-cruises-into-second-round-232654&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiqlvCFmpvjAhXN6nMBHYNCAvgQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3R1ZD-htm9R9We_T_XWEzg">Barty </a>when she served for the match, the Australian made no mistake when presented with a match point on her opponent's serve in the following game. &nbsp;

Also easing through was 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens who took the first eight games against her Chinese opponent Wang Yafan before winning 6-0, 6-2.

Stephens seeded nine, will play either British 19th seed Johanna Konta or Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the next round.

Ashleigh Barty's bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year stayed on track with a 6-1, 6-3 second-round victory over Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck on Thursday.

Ashleigh Barty's bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year stayed on track with a 6-1, 6-3 second-round victory over Belgium's Alison van Uytvanck on Thursday. The 23-year-old Australian world number one will play either British wild card Harriet Dart or Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia for a place in the last 16. "I had to make a lot of returns first and foremost and then try and nullify her variety a little bit," she said. Barty, who if she achieves the Roland Garros-Wimbledon double will be only the eighth woman to do so, said she would switch off from tennis for the moment. "I'm sure there's some cricket on or something," she said in reference to the ongoing World Cup in England where Australia have made the semi-finals. Barty seized the initiative from the outset on Thursday breaking Van Uytvanck, who had eliminated 2017 champion Garbine Muguruza in the second round of last year's tournament, twice in succession. She repeated that in the second set and although the 25-year-old Belgian broke Barty when she served for the match, the Australian made no mistake when presented with a match point on her opponent's serve in the following game. Also easing through was 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens who took the first eight games against her Chinese opponent Wang Yafan before winning 6-0, 6-2. Stephens seeded nine, will play either British 19th seed Johanna Konta or Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the next round.

Wimbledon: Ashleigh Barty cruises into Wimbledon third round

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-its-a-chill-year-says-simona-halep-as-she-sweeps-past-sasnovich-232222">Simona Halep</a> and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set.

Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands.

But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat.

Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-victoria-azarenka-powers-into-third-round-232782">Azarenka</a>.

"It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017.

"I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said.

The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki.

Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4.

"I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week.

FAST LANE

But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago.

On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown.

Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes.

At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure.

But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set.

The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-ashleigh-barty-embraces-number-one-tag-cruises-into-second-round-232654">Ash Barty</a> from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3.

Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova.

But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei.

"The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham.

Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown.

In recent years Wimbledon has not exactly been a dreamland for Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka, and the nightmare will continue for one of them after the former world number ones set up a third-round showdown. Seventh seed Halep appeared to be heading for an easy win when she was a set and 2-0 up against Mihaela Buzarnescu before her fellow Romanian stormed back to take the second set. Buzarnescu even stopped in her tracks midway through the seventh game of the second set to hand over a bottle of water to a spectator who had fainted in the stands. But Halep was less charitable and turfed her compatriot out of the championships with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 defeat. Twelve months ago Halep perished in the third round despite being the top seed and she will be hoping for better fortune on Friday when she faces Azarenka. "It's going to be a big challenge for me, tough one because she's ... very aggressive," said Halep, who has won two her four meetings with Azarenka, including at Wimbledon in 2017. "I have to be strong on my legs to be ready for her strokes because she hits very strong," Halep said. The Belarussian made sure there was no repeat of her 2018 second-round exit as she dished out a 6-2, 6-0 mauling to Australian Ajla Tomljanovic. Halep and Azarenka were among four former WTA number ones in singles action on day three, along with Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Wozniacki. Pliskova has long been thought of as a Grand Slam champion-in-waiting and the Czech provided evidence of her grass-court pedigree as she hurtled past Monica Puig 6-0, 6-4. "I feel like I'm improving every day on grass," said Pliskova, who arrived at Wimbledon full of confidence after scooping her third title on grass at Eastbourne last week. FAST LANE But if Pliskova was hoping her success at Eastbourne would easily translate to a Wimbledon title, she will have to buck the trends as fellow Czech Jana Novotna was the last woman to have pulled off the feat 21 years ago. On Wednesday, though, Pliskova showed why she is considered as one of the front runners for this year's Wimbledon crown. Watched by former Formula One driver David Coulthard from the Royal Box, the third seed appeared to be in the fast lane to victory as she dropped only two points on serve to zoom through the first set in 20 minutes. At the other end of Centre Court, a double fault on set point summed up the kind of torturous day Olympic champion Puig was having to endure. But just when it seemed the race was on for Pliskova to produce the first double bagel of this year's championships, the Puerto Rican drew a prolonged round of sympathetic applause as she finally won a game in the second game of the second set. The respite was shortlived as her Czech opponent, who could topple Ash Barty from the WTA rankings summit if she reaches the latter stages of the grasscourt major, broke Puig to go 3-1 ahead and served for the match at 5-3. Being on the edge of defeat allowed Puig to come out swinging in the ninth game as she broke Pliskova. But if that gave Puig a glint of hope for an upset, the Czech quickly snuffed out such thoughts by breaking the 25-year-old in the very next game to seal a third-round match with Taiwanese 28th seed Hsieh Su-wei. "The deeper you go, the better players you play so it's not going to be easy here," said Pliskova, whose only defeat on grass this season was against her twin Kristyna in the last 16 in Birmingham. Newly married Wozniacki's Wimbledon honeymoon continued with a 7-6(5), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

Wimbledon: Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka set up third round battle

Andy Murray wanted it, the British fans were desperate for it and the media were working themselves into a frenzy about it and on Tuesday it was confirmed that Serena Williams had said yes.

Speculation has bubbled about a Murray/Williams dream team for the Wimbledon mixed doubles since 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams hinted at the weekend about her availability.

After the American struggled past Italian Giulia Gatto-Monticone in the first round of the singles on Tuesday she left the British media in suspense.

"If you guys really want it... all right, done," she teased after initially saying she was still trying to figure out the "singles part" and would "have to see".

But shortly afterwards, Murray's management team confirmed that they would be playing together.

It is a coup for Murray, and the tournament, with crowds set to flock to the All England Club in even greater numbers to try and catch a glimpse of the scratch pairing in action.

Twice men's singles champion Murray, back playing doubles as he continues his recovery from career-saving hip surgery in February, had already been turned down for the mixed doubles by new <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashleigh-barty-rejects-but-andy-murray-flooded-with-wimbledon-mixed-doubles-offers-229452&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDi67mhpjjAhUil48KHSv9CE4QFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jwxvkndsEceZgx2_2zARt">world number one Ash Barty</a>.

But Williams is not a bad consolation.

Asked at the weekend whether he wanted to play with the American great, the Scot said, with a trademark sense of understatement, the 37-year-old mum would be a "solid" partner.

TEMPTING CHALLENGE

Williams has won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles but has not played mixed doubles at a major since partnering fellow American Bob Bryan at the 2012 French Open.

She did win the 1998 mixed title at Wimbledon with Max Mirnyi, however, and the prospect of repeating that feat with a player she says she admires greatly proved too tempting.

"His work ethic is just honestly off the charts. That's something I've always respected about him," Serena told reporters when asked about the player who in 2013 became the first British man for 77 years to win Wimbledon.

"His fitness, everything. To do what he's done in an era where there's so many other great male tennis players, so much competition, to rise above it, not many people have done it. He's actually one of the few," Serena said.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-marks-pain-free-return-with-doubles-win-at-queens-club-229128&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDi67mhpjjAhUil48KHSv9CE4QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0NAI_Np_5eUFaZp0SxkaID">Murray</a>, married with two children, also broke the trend and became one of the few top male players to hire a female coach when he took on Amelie Mauresmo for two years from 2014-16.

"He really stands out, he really speaks up about women's issues no matter what," said Williams. "You can tell he has a really strong woman in his life."

The only issue will be whether the American's' knees will cope with the extra demands as she bids for an eighth singles crown here and whether Murray's hip holds up to what will now be a packed doubles programme if they progress.

He is also playing with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men's doubles having returned to action last month at Queen's Club to win the doubles title with Feliciano Lopez.

Murray's brother Jamie won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon twice, in 2007 with former world number ones Jelena Jankovic and with Martina Hingis 10 years later. He picked his partners well. So it seems has his brother.

Andy Murray wanted it, the British fans were desperate for it and the media were working themselves into a frenzy about it and on Tuesday it was confirmed that Serena Williams had said yes.

Andy Murray wanted it, the British fans were desperate for it and the media were working themselves into a frenzy about it and on Tuesday it was confirmed that Serena Williams had said yes. Speculation has bubbled about a Murray/Williams dream team for the Wimbledon mixed doubles since 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Williams hinted at the weekend about her availability. After the American struggled past Italian Giulia Gatto-Monticone in the first round of the singles on Tuesday she left the British media in suspense. "If you guys really want it... all right, done," she teased after initially saying she was still trying to figure out the "singles part" and would "have to see". But shortly afterwards, Murray's management team confirmed that they would be playing together. It is a coup for Murray, and the tournament, with crowds set to flock to the All England Club in even greater numbers to try and catch a glimpse of the scratch pairing in action. Twice men's singles champion Murray, back playing doubles as he continues his recovery from career-saving hip surgery in February, had already been turned down for the mixed doubles by new world number one Ash Barty. But Williams is not a bad consolation. Asked at the weekend whether he wanted to play with the American great, the Scot said, with a trademark sense of understatement, the 37-year-old mum would be a "solid" partner. TEMPTING CHALLENGE Williams has won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles but has not played mixed doubles at a major since partnering fellow American Bob Bryan at the 2012 French Open. She did win the 1998 mixed title at Wimbledon with Max Mirnyi, however, and the prospect of repeating that feat with a player she says she admires greatly proved too tempting. "His work ethic is just honestly off the charts. That's something I've always respected about him," Serena told reporters when asked about the player who in 2013 became the first British man for 77 years to win Wimbledon. "His fitness, everything. To do what he's done in an era where there's so many other great male tennis players, so much competition, to rise above it, not many people have done it. He's actually one of the few," Serena said. Murray, married with two children, also broke the trend and became one of the few top male players to hire a female coach when he took on Amelie Mauresmo for two years from 2014-16. "He really stands out, he really speaks up about women's issues no matter what," said Williams. "You can tell he has a really strong woman in his life." The only issue will be whether the American's' knees will cope with the extra demands as she bids for an eighth singles crown here and whether Murray's hip holds up to what will now be a packed doubles programme if they progress. He is also playing with Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the men's doubles having returned to action last month at Queen's Club to win the doubles title with Feliciano Lopez. Murray's brother Jamie won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon twice, in 2007 with former world number ones Jelena Jankovic and with Martina Hingis 10 years later. He picked his partners well. So it seems has his brother.

Andy Murray, Serena Williams form Wimbledon mixed doubles dream team

If being world number one brings the burden of pressure and expectation then somebody should tell Ash Barty, who began her first Grand Slam at the summit of the women's game at Wimbledon on Tuesday and loved every minute of it.

Being at the top of the women's rankings has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent years, with the position changing hands 10 times since the start of 2017 between eight different occupants.

The most recent holder before <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cricketer-to-grand-slam-winner-ashleigh-bartys-journey-is-inspiring-225626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc0JeYmpjjAhWIvI8KHRC5AJ4QFjABegQIEBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw39bQuMwziWa8n3UfQXoq7O">Barty</a>, Naomi Osaka, admitted the pressure of being number one had caused headaches and fatigue while the stress was "way more" than she could have imagined.

The extent to which her game had plummeted from the heights of her two Grand Slam title successes at the US&nbsp;and Australian Opens was laid bare when she exited Wimbledon meekly in the first round on Monday.

It was refreshing, therefore, to hear Barty embrace the so-called "burden" of being the world's best player with such enthusiasm as she waltzed into the second round at the All England Club with a 6-4, 6-2 win over China's Zheng Saisai.

"I think for me it's a little bit irrelevant," she said about being number one.

"The only pressure I have is what I put on myself, making sure I'm doing all the right things, preparing in the right way. Ultimately when we play our matches, we go out there and enjoy it ... just play each match as it comes. There's certainly no extra stresses on any match," Barty said.

Her express-train run to the top of the women's game certainly showed no sign of slowing on Court One as Zheng was dispatched comfortably.

The Australian, who followed up her <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashleigh-barty-defeats-marketa-vondrousova-to-win-french-open-title-225535&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjc0JeYmpjjAhWIvI8KHRC5AJ4QFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0X8OBVGmF72q-p4HHjbnqX">French Open</a> triumph last month by winning in Birmingham, sealed a 13th straight win in a brisk hour and 16 minutes, battling through the first set before easing through the second.

Barty has never been past the third round at Wimbledon, but her game is well-suited to the slick grass courts and she looks well-placed to challenge for a second Grand Slam title.

The 23-year-old will certainly have to overcome tougher challenges than the 43rd-ranked Zheng if she is to lift the trophy next Saturday.

She could face defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wimbledon-defending-champion-angelique-kerber-outclasses-tricky-compatriot-232606">Angelique Kerber</a> or seven-times winner Serena Williams in the quarter-finals while twice champion Petra Kvitova is a potential obstacle in the semi-final.

Zheng, however, was no match for the Australian who started the 2017 season ranked 271 in singles and whose remarkable career has also included a successful sabbatical playing cricket for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

Barty and Zheng had played each other three times previously, with Barty winning on each occasion and, apart from a brief wobble in the first set when she allowed the Chinese to claw back from 3-0 down to 3-3, it was plain sailing.

She broke early in the second set and again in the eighth game to wrap up victory, volleying the winner before saluting a warmly appreciative crowd.

If being world number one brings the burden of pressure and expectation then somebody should tell Ash Barty, who began her first Grand Slam at the summit of the women's game at Wimbledon on Tuesday and loved every minute of it.

If being world number one brings the burden of pressure and expectation then somebody should tell Ash Barty, who began her first Grand Slam at the summit of the women's game at Wimbledon on Tuesday and loved every minute of it. Being at the top of the women's rankings has become something of a poisoned chalice in recent years, with the position changing hands 10 times since the start of 2017 between eight different occupants. The most recent holder before Barty, Naomi Osaka, admitted the pressure of being number one had caused headaches and fatigue while the stress was "way more" than she could have imagined. The extent to which her game had plummeted from the heights of her two Grand Slam title successes at the US and Australian Opens was laid bare when she exited Wimbledon meekly in the first round on Monday. It was refreshing, therefore, to hear Barty embrace the so-called "burden" of being the world's best player with such enthusiasm as she waltzed into the second round at the All England Club with a 6-4, 6-2 win over China's Zheng Saisai. "I think for me it's a little bit irrelevant," she said about being number one. "The only pressure I have is what I put on myself, making sure I'm doing all the right things, preparing in the right way. Ultimately when we play our matches, we go out there and enjoy it ... just play each match as it comes. There's certainly no extra stresses on any match," Barty said. Her express-train run to the top of the women's game certainly showed no sign of slowing on Court One as Zheng was dispatched comfortably. The Australian, who followed up her French Open triumph last month by winning in Birmingham, sealed a 13th straight win in a brisk hour and 16 minutes, battling through the first set before easing through the second. Barty has never been past the third round at Wimbledon, but her game is well-suited to the slick grass courts and she looks well-placed to challenge for a second Grand Slam title. The 23-year-old will certainly have to overcome tougher challenges than the 43rd-ranked Zheng if she is to lift the trophy next Saturday. She could face defending champion Angelique Kerber or seven-times winner Serena Williams in the quarter-finals while twice champion Petra Kvitova is a potential obstacle in the semi-final. Zheng, however, was no match for the Australian who started the 2017 season ranked 271 in singles and whose remarkable career has also included a successful sabbatical playing cricket for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League. Barty and Zheng had played each other three times previously, with Barty winning on each occasion and, apart from a brief wobble in the first set when she allowed the Chinese to claw back from 3-0 down to 3-3, it was plain sailing. She broke early in the second set and again in the eighth game to wrap up victory, volleying the winner before saluting a warmly appreciative crowd.

Wimbledon: Ashleigh Barty embraces number one tag, cruises into second round

Eight women to watch out for at Wimbledon 2019

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williamss-pursuit-of-24th-major-title-on-hold-after-french-open-exit-223516">Williams </a>has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club.

"As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything,"&nbsp;former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call.

"But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult,"&nbsp;McEnroe said.

The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1.

After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner.

"I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams.

When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day.

But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events.

TWO STEPS SLOWER

Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition.

She came <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-2018-3-major-appearances-2-grand-slam-finals-and-an-infamous-controversy-185799&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAHegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1iQSXWVZXGlW1enWH2gUCE">back with a bang in 2018</a> and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US&nbsp;Open.

"It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert.

"The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence,"&nbsp;Evert said.

Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-says-thiem-right-to-fume-over-serena-williams-press-conference-row-223698&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq1I7ulInjAhXaknAKHVjmBcoQFjAEegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ALgZq_sAxw7aSNvXqPi17">Williams </a>who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots.

Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass.

But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats.

"There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert.

"I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added&nbsp;Evert.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open.

Serena Williams will bring her quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title to Wimbledon next week where she will try to shake off a nagging knee injury and show the tennis world that her window of opportunity is still open. Williams has been stuck on 23 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court, for over two years and has shown little evidence of late that she will be able to snap that drought at the All England Club. "As long as she's playing, she's going to be a threat to win anything," former world number one John McEnroe told a conference call. "But it's just now there's more things that can go wrong, I suppose, like more days where she might not have it and other days where players won't give in as easily. So that just makes it more difficult," McEnroe said. The 37-year-old American's time on court has been limited to a handful of matches since the Australian Open in January due in part to a knee injury that kept her from competing in a tune-up event ahead of Wimbledon, where action begins on July 1. After losing in the third round at the French Open, Williams did not exactly sound her confident self when asked if she would have enough time to get in optimal shape for Wimbledon, where she is a seven-times winner. "I hope so. I'm still working on it and working on getting there. So I think it will be, I think it be enough time. We'll see, but I definitely hope so," said Williams. When Williams was at the peak of her career, she was so far above the competition that she could barrel her way through a Grand Slam draw even if she was having an off day. But the combination of injury, a limited playing schedule and an increased standard of women's tennis over the past few years have left many to question whether she can again triumph in one of tennis' blue riband events. TWO STEPS SLOWER Williams won the most recent of her Grand Slam titles at the 2017 Australian Open when she was in the early stages of her pregnancy, which led to her taking a year off from competition. She came back with a bang in 2018 and despite not playing at her best managed to reach the final at both Wimbledon and the US Open. "It's hard for me to bet against Serena. Look what happened last year: Two finals in Grand Slams," said 18-times Grand Slam champion Chris Evert. "The one difference that I see in Serena is since she's come back, she's been one or two steps slower than normal. I think that's a little bit of fitness. I think it's a little bit of match play. I think it's a little bit of confidence," Evert said. Healthy legs are key to any player's game but perhaps even more vital for someone like Williams who relies heavily on her physicality and court coverage to set up big shots. Williams has been unable to deliver her trademark big serves on a consistent basis of late but will likely take comfort in the friendly confines of the All England Club given she is most effective on grass. But unlike in her prime, Williams' rivals know she is not the same player she once was and do not walk onto the court nearly as intimated as they once were when facing one of the game's all-time greats. "There's so many things that may be going against Serena, and she thrives on that, and she loves that, and that's when she comes through," said Evert. "I would have said in January, if there was any Grand Slam she was going to win, it would probably be Wimbledon ... and if her serve is on, she's going to be tough to beat," added Evert.

Serena Williams hopes to end two-year grand slam drought at Wimbledon

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings.

Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

World number one and defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-supports-rafael-nadal-over-wimbledon-seedings-criticism-230554">Novak Djokovic</a> is the top seed.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic.

"Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-says-wimbledons-seedings-system-not-a-good-thing-230352">Wimbledon </a>does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said.

South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position.

The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka.

Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful.

Roger Federer has been seeded second ahead of great rival Rafael Nadal for Wimbledon despite trailing the Spaniard in the world rankings. Nadal complained earlier this week that Wimbledon's unique formula for seeding that combines ranking points with form in grass-court competitions was disrespectful. World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic is the top seed. Eighteen-time Grand Slam winner Nadal, ranked number two in the world, is therefore guaranteed to be in the same half of the draw as either Federer or Djokovic. "Obviously it would be better to be two than three but if they think I have to be three I will accept three and fight to win the matches I have to win," Nadal told Spanish television channel Movistar on Monday. "The only thing that doesn't seem right about this issue is that it is only Wimbledon that does it. If they all did it, it would seem more correct. It's not only about my particular case. There have been many occasions when players have played well all year on all surfaces but Wimbledon does not respect the ranking they have earned," Nadal said. South Africa's Kevin Anderson is seeded fourth, well ahead of his ranking of eight, after reaching the final for the first time last year, with Dominic Thiem, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas all bumped down one position. The women's seedings do mirror the rankings with French Open champion Ashleigh Barty top of the pile for the first time at a grand slam ahead of Naomi Osaka. Defending champion Angelique Kerber is seeded fifth with seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams down in 11th.

Wimbledon: Roger Federer seeded second, Rafael Nadal drops to three

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian in 43 years to climb to the top of the WTA singles ranking after she won the Birmingham Classic grasscourt title on Sunday.

The 23-year-old beat Germany's Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 in the final, meaning when the new WTA rankings are released on Monday she will knock Japan's Naomi Osaka off the summit.

French Open champion Barty gave up tennis in late 2014 and played Big Bash cricket for Brisbane Heat before returning to the sport in 2016.

The last Australian woman to reach the number one ranking was Evonne Goolagong in 1976 although it only came to light 31 years later after the discovery of an error in the records.

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian in 43 years to climb to the top of the WTA singles ranking after she won the Birmingham Classic grasscourt title on Sunday.

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian in 43 years to climb to the top of the WTA singles ranking after she won the Birmingham Classic grasscourt title on Sunday. The 23-year-old beat Germany's Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 in the final, meaning when the new WTA rankings are released on Monday she will knock Japan's Naomi Osaka off the summit. French Open champion Barty gave up tennis in late 2014 and played Big Bash cricket for Brisbane Heat before returning to the sport in 2016. The last Australian woman to reach the number one ranking was Evonne Goolagong in 1976 although it only came to light 31 years later after the discovery of an error in the records.

Australian Ashleigh Barty guarantees rise to world number one

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian woman to be ranked world number one in more than 40 years if she beats her doubles partner Julia Goerges in the final of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, fresh from her maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open, has not dropped a set all week and an 11th successive victory will see her displace Japan's Naomi Osaka in top spot and emulate Evonne Goolagong's feat from 1976.

Barty sent down 11 aces and fired 24 winners on Saturday to dispatch world number 51 Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-4.

"I have to try and do what I can do and that is prepare and do as best that I can tomorrow and try and play a good tennis match and if I win, it's a bonus," said Barty, who is seeking her sixth WTA tour title at an event where she was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2017.

"There are all things that come with it. But those things are certainly not what I'm worried about. It is not going to change the way that I sleep at night, if I don't get there or not. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't."

Should she win, Barty will join the select company as the only other female players to win the singles title at Roland Garros and their next event on British grass courts have been Serena Williams, Steffi Graf (four times), Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Margaret Court.

But Goerges has also hit rich form and beat Petra Martic 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.

Barty and Goerges, who has yet to win a title on grass but last year reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, have a 1-1 head-to-head record but the Australian won their previous clash en route to claiming the Zhuhai crown last year.

If Barty loses the final, she will be two points short of catching Osaka – the smallest margin between the top two ranked players since WTA rankings began.

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian woman to be ranked world number one in more than 40 years if she beats her doubles partner Julia Goerges in the final of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Sunday.

Ashleigh Barty will become the first Australian woman to be ranked world number one in more than 40 years if she beats her doubles partner Julia Goerges in the final of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Sunday. The 23-year-old, fresh from her maiden Grand Slam triumph at the French Open, has not dropped a set all week and an 11th successive victory will see her displace Japan's Naomi Osaka in top spot and emulate Evonne Goolagong's feat from 1976. Barty sent down 11 aces and fired 24 winners on Saturday to dispatch world number 51 Barbora Strycova from the Czech Republic 6-4, 6-4. "I have to try and do what I can do and that is prepare and do as best that I can tomorrow and try and play a good tennis match and if I win, it's a bonus," said Barty, who is seeking her sixth WTA tour title at an event where she was runner-up to Petra Kvitova in 2017. "There are all things that come with it. But those things are certainly not what I'm worried about. It is not going to change the way that I sleep at night, if I don't get there or not. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't." Should she win, Barty will join the select company as the only other female players to win the singles title at Roland Garros and their next event on British grass courts have been Serena Williams, Steffi Graf (four times), Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Margaret Court. But Goerges has also hit rich form and beat Petra Martic 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final. Barty and Goerges, who has yet to win a title on grass but last year reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, have a 1-1 head-to-head record but the Australian won their previous clash en route to claiming the Zhuhai crown last year. If Barty loses the final, she will be two points short of catching Osaka – the smallest margin between the top two ranked players since WTA rankings began.

Ashleigh Barty a win away from world number one

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday.

The 23-year-old Australian fired six aces, won four break points and won 77 per cent&nbsp;of points on her first serve in a match that lasted an hour and 25 minutes.

World number two Barty was given a scare in the opening set when Williams flew into a 4-1 lead but the American was undone by her rising unforced error count (28), which gave Barty the opening she needed to get back into the contest.

"I knew my level would have to be very good today to make it a contest. Venus was an inspiration to every single girl and boy around the world, she still is," Barty said on court after her win.

"What she's been able to do for this sport is incredible. Her career has been phenomenal and it's not over yet," adding that she could "absolutely not" see herself playing at 39 like Williams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osakas-birmingham-exit-gives-ashleigh-barty-shot-at-number-one-229124">Barty </a>is now two wins away from becoming the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years as a title win in Birmingham will allow her to leapfrog world number one Naomi Osaka, who exited in the second round.

"You start to think ahead, it's natural, it happens," Barty said of the potential number one ranking. "It's important for me to come out and focus tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens."

Barty will now face Barbora Strycova who beat Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-4.

The other semi-final will be played between Germany's Julia Goerges and Croatia's Petra Martic, who outlasted Jelena Ostapenko 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-1 in a marathon encounter.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty warmed up for Wimbledon with a comfortable 6-4, 6-3 win over Venus Williams to reach the semi-finals of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham on Friday. The 23-year-old Australian fired six aces, won four break points and won 77 per cent of points on her first serve in a match that lasted an hour and 25 minutes. World number two Barty was given a scare in the opening set when Williams flew into a 4-1 lead but the American was undone by her rising unforced error count (28), which gave Barty the opening she needed to get back into the contest. "I knew my level would have to be very good today to make it a contest. Venus was an inspiration to every single girl and boy around the world, she still is," Barty said on court after her win. "What she's been able to do for this sport is incredible. Her career has been phenomenal and it's not over yet," adding that she could "absolutely not" see herself playing at 39 like Williams. Barty is now two wins away from becoming the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years as a title win in Birmingham will allow her to leapfrog world number one Naomi Osaka, who exited in the second round. "You start to think ahead, it's natural, it happens," Barty said of the potential number one ranking. "It's important for me to come out and focus tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens." Barty will now face Barbora Strycova who beat Kristyna Pliskova 6-2, 6-4. The other semi-final will be played between Germany's Julia Goerges and Croatia's Petra Martic, who outlasted Jelena Ostapenko 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-1 in a marathon encounter.

Ashleigh Barty eases past 'inspirational' Venus Williams into Birmingham Classic semi-final

Andy Murray&nbsp;returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.&nbsp;

However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles.

Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make.

"I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said.

Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him.&nbsp;

"*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter.

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*Checks calendar* 
Available, and lacing up, <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a>.🙋🏻‍♀️
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1141872812841472001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andy_murray</a> I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA <a href="https://twitter.com/Liambroady?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Liambroady</a> to play with you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SORRYBRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SORRYBRO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LOVEYOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LOVEYOU</a> 😬
— Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) <a href="https://twitter.com/NaomiBroady/status/1141836462314479616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray.

"I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted.

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I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbar96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbar96</a> 💁🏼‍♀️
— CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoCoVandey/status/1141860447936585728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers.

"Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."

Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon.

Andy Murray returned after a five-month injury layoff in the doubles event at the Queen's Club Championship this week and to continue the momentum, he offered Australia's Ashleigh Barty to pair with him at this year's Wimbledon. However, Barty rejected the opportunity as she is already playing singles and women's doubles. Responding to Andy's story, French Open champion Ashleigh Barty admitted that her decision to turn down Murray's offer was "the hardest decision" she has ever had to make. "I took some time to think about it, and playing three events is just a little bit too much. I was very flattered but said to him, 'I think there are some pretty good options out there for you'. I'm sure he'll find someone," Barty said. Andy Murray may have been rejected by Barty but he was flooded with offers from players past and present who want to partner up with him. "*Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray," multiple Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King, 75, wrote on Twitter. *Checks calendar* Available, and lacing up, @andy_murray.🙋🏻‍♀️ — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 21, 2019 × Britain's Naomi Broady said, "I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA Liam Broady to play with you #SORRYBRO." @andy_murray I would totally ditch my own flesh and blood AKA @Liambroady to play with you #SORRYBRO #LOVEYOU 😬 — Naomi Broady (@NaomiBroady) June 20, 2019 × Barty's former doubles partner CoCo Vandeweghe out due to injuries also offered to play with Murray. "I'll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry Ash Barty," Vandeweghe tweeted. I’ll come out of injury reserve for this. Sorry @ashbar96 💁🏼‍♀️ — CoCo Vandeweghe (@CoCoVandey) June 21, 2019 × Barbora Strycova, ranked fourth in women's doubles, said she would not make the "same mistake" as her fellow peers. "Hey, @andymurray I heard rumors that you got rejected by my fellow players a couple of times when finding a partner for mixed doubles in Wimbledon," she wrote on Instagram. "I swear I wouldn't do the same mistake like them."

Ashleigh Barty rejects but Andy Murray flooded with Wimbledon mixed-doubles offers

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty could become the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years if she wins the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham following Naomi Osaka's second-round exit on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-number-one-naomi-osaka-knocked-out-of-french-open-223471&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjf7eP_8fniAhXAy4sBHeJACmsQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XNdInj77Vqsjjj_ADE1tz">Osaka</a>, who became world number one after winning the Australian Open, needed to reach the Birmingham final to guarantee she would stay ahead of Barty in the rankings but lost 6-2, 6-3 to Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva.

Barty made short work of Jennifer Brady, beating the American 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday to book her place in the quarter-finals and will become world number one if she goes on to win the tournament.

"The stars have aligned a little bit for me and I think when you get those opportunities you have to do your best to take them with both hands," the 23-year-old told reporters.

"That's what we have been able to do over the last month in particular but I feel like I'm comfortable in my own skin. I feel like I know exactly how I want to play in most matches, and it's just about going out there trying to execute as best I can," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashleigh-barty-defeats-marketa-vondrousova-to-win-french-open-title-225535&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_srSN8vniAhUPIIgKHdMyAeIQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jFp9guShK0hE1HkspkQ95">Barty </a>said.

Evonne Goolagong Cawley was the last Australian woman to top the world rankings in 1976 and if Barty wants to emulate her idol, she will first have to get past five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in Friday's quarter-final.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty could become the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years if she wins the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham following Naomi Osaka's second-round exit on Thursday.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty could become the first Australian woman to top the tennis rankings in more than 40 years if she wins the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham following Naomi Osaka's second-round exit on Thursday. Osaka, who became world number one after winning the Australian Open, needed to reach the Birmingham final to guarantee she would stay ahead of Barty in the rankings but lost 6-2, 6-3 to Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva. Barty made short work of Jennifer Brady, beating the American 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday to book her place in the quarter-finals and will become world number one if she goes on to win the tournament. "The stars have aligned a little bit for me and I think when you get those opportunities you have to do your best to take them with both hands," the 23-year-old told reporters. "That's what we have been able to do over the last month in particular but I feel like I'm comfortable in my own skin. I feel like I know exactly how I want to play in most matches, and it's just about going out there trying to execute as best I can," Barty said. Evonne Goolagong Cawley was the last Australian woman to top the world rankings in 1976 and if Barty wants to emulate her idol, she will first have to get past five-times Wimbledon champion Venus Williams in Friday's quarter-final.

Naomi Osaka's Birmingham exit gives Ashleigh Barty shot at number one

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty got her grass court season off to a winning start with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Donna Vekic at the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/pliskova-twins-set-to-clash-other-at-birmingham-classic-228682&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvwcGp1_XiAhXLpI8KHVp_An4QFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0v62Se1bvklvMzFKgHBHm6"> Birmingham Classic.</a>

Croatia's Vekic had reached the final of the Nottingham Open last weekend and understandably looked sharper on the grass early on as she broke the Barty serve in the third game.

However, the Australian, who shot to number two in the world rankings with her first Grand Slam title earlier this month, quickly recovered to win seven of the next eight games to move a set and a break up.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cricketer-to-grand-slam-winner-ashleigh-bartys-journey-is-inspiring-225626&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjImfu51_XiAhUGNY8KHdFSDwgQFjAFegQIBhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2DTsTzdEs5Rq_P0ltfla9G">Barty </a>wobbled slightly as she failed to serve out for the match at 5-2 up in the second, but made amends in her next service game to set up a round two clash with American Jennifer Brady.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty got her grass court season off to a winning start with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Donna Vekic at the Birmingham Classic.

French Open champion Ashleigh Barty got her grass court season off to a winning start with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Donna Vekic at the Birmingham Classic. Croatia's Vekic had reached the final of the Nottingham Open last weekend and understandably looked sharper on the grass early on as she broke the Barty serve in the third game. However, the Australian, who shot to number two in the world rankings with her first Grand Slam title earlier this month, quickly recovered to win seven of the next eight games to move a set and a break up. Barty wobbled slightly as she failed to serve out for the match at 5-2 up in the second, but made amends in her next service game to set up a round two clash with American Jennifer Brady.

French Open champ Ashleigh Barty makes winning start at Birmingham Classic

From cricketer to grand slam winner, Ashleigh Barty's journey is inspiring

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to&nbsp;win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday.&nbsp;

Barty beat&nbsp;Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3.&nbsp;

It's Barty's maiden Grand Slam title and she also became the first Australian woman in 46 years to win the French Open singles.&nbsp;

After winning the match Barty sat on the floor and leaned&nbsp;her head on her racquet.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;eighth seed Barty joins 1969, 1970 and 1973 champion Margaret Court and 1971 winner Evonne Goolagong-Cawley on the list of Australian women who have lifted the trophy in the professional era.

Barty raced to a 4-0 lead as she breezed through the opening set, taking full advantage of 19-year-old Vondrousova's early jitters.

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Notre championne de Roland-Garros 2019... Ashleigh Barty ! 🙌🏆🇦🇺<a href="https://twitter.com/ashbar96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbar96</a> s'impose 6-1, 6-3 face à Marketa Vondrousova pour remporter son 1er titre en Grand Chelem 👏 
 
📝 <a href="https://t.co/YmpNHqTHSU">https://t.co/YmpNHqTHSU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG19</a> <a href="https://t.co/1N6rHCT82v">pic.twitter.com/1N6rHCT82v</a>
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Vondrousova, who was hoping to become the first teenager to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Iva Majoli in 1997, offered more of a challenge in the second set, but Barty was always in control.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. Barty beat Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty defeated 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova to win the French Open women's singles final on Saturday. Barty beat Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3. It's Barty's maiden Grand Slam title and she also became the first Australian woman in 46 years to win the French Open singles. After winning the match Barty sat on the floor and leaned her head on her racquet. The eighth seed Barty joins 1969, 1970 and 1973 champion Margaret Court and 1971 winner Evonne Goolagong-Cawley on the list of Australian women who have lifted the trophy in the professional era. Barty raced to a 4-0 lead as she breezed through the opening set, taking full advantage of 19-year-old Vondrousova's early jitters. Notre championne de Roland-Garros 2019... Ashleigh Barty ! 🙌🏆🇦🇺@ashbar96 s'impose 6-1, 6-3 face à Marketa Vondrousova pour remporter son 1er titre en Grand Chelem 👏 📝 https://t.co/YmpNHqTHSU #RG19 pic.twitter.com/1N6rHCT82v — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 8, 2019 × Vondrousova, who was hoping to become the first teenager to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup since Iva Majoli in 1997, offered more of a challenge in the second set, but Barty was always in control.

Ashleigh Barty defeats Marketa Vondrousova to win French Open title

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-to-face-dominic-thiem-in-his-ninth-roland-garros-semi-final-225086"> French Open</a> was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday.

However, the semi-final between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-australias-ashleigh-barty-outplays-madison-keys-reaches-her-first-semi-finals-225046">Ashleigh Barty</a> and&nbsp;Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu.

The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned.

"We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon.

"The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said.

Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday.

Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match.

But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule.

Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday.

'Lack of respect'

Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial.

"You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said.

"Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added.

However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals.

"It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old.

"Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal.&nbsp;But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?"&nbsp;

Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen.

"It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's,"&nbsp;Mauresmo said.

Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court.

"Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court.

"Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major.

"I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">Anisimova </a>said.

Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen.

"Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old.

"For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on.&nbsp; Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it,"&nbsp;Barty said.

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful".

The French Open was plunged into a sexism row on Thursday after the decision to move the women's semi-finals away from the tournament's showpiece court was blasted as "unfair, inappropriate" and "shameful". After torrential rain washed out all of Wednesday's play, the last two women's quarter-finals were played Thursday with the semi-finals pushed back a day until Friday. However, the semi-final between Ashleigh Barty and Amanda Anisimova will be played on Court Suzanne Lenglen while Johanna Konta's match with Marketa Vondrousova has been shifted to the smaller 5,000-seater Court Simonne-Mathieu. The men's semis between Roger Federer against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic taking on Dominic Thiem will be played on the main, 15,000-seat Court Philippe Chatrier as planned. "We are extremely disappointed by the scheduling of both women's semi-finals on outside courts," said WTA chief executive Steve Simon. "The four women who have played so well and made it this far have earned their right to play on the biggest stage. We believe other solutions were possible which would have been to the benefit of fans as well as all players," Simon said. Both women's semi-finals were originally scheduled for Thursday on the rebuilt Chatrier Court with the final on Saturday. Men's semi-finals day is Friday and Sunday is the traditional day for their championship match. But Wednesday's washout, which also saw two men's quarter-finals played a day late on Thursday, caused havoc with the schedule. Complicating the picture further is the threat of more rain on Friday, raising the prospect of the women's final being moved to Sunday and the men's to Monday. 'Lack of respect' Tournament director Guy Forget had admitted that moving the women's semi-finals to smaller courts could be seen as controversial. "You're afraid that some players might feel that it's a lack of respect or we are just trying to diminish it -- no," he said. "Ideally, when you see historically what has happened in the tournament, we try to be fair to everyone," Forget added. However, France's former world number one and two-time major winner Amelie Mauresmo blasted the decision to shift the women's semi-finals. "It is shameful for our tournament," tweeted the 49-year-old. "Everyone agrees that the match of the day is Federer/Nadal. But what message are we sending by taking the decision to put the two women's semi-finals on at 11 a.m. on the second and third courts? No match on the centre court?" Mauresmo believes that the men's and women's semi-finals should be split between Chatrier and the 10,000-capacity Lenglen. "It's simple to open Lenglen and Chatrier and have the two women's matches at 1 p.m. followed by the two men's," Mauresmo said. Anisimova, just 17, and the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Nicole Vaidisova at the 2007 Australian Open said she had no objections to playing on a smaller court. "Neither of them on Chatrier? I didn't know that," said the teenager when first told that she would not be playing on the main court. "Actually, I'm really happy that I get to play tomorrow," added the American, who is the first player born in the 2000s to get to the last four of a major. "I don't have to wait a whole day, because I get really eager to want to go on the court, so I'm happy I get to play tomorrow. They are all beautiful courts," Anisimova said. Barty, the highest seed left in the tournament at number eight, said it was a shame that her maiden Slam semi-final had been shifted to Lenglen. "Obviously we would love to play on Chatrier," said the 23-year-old. "For me, personally, I'm excited to be in a semi-final. It doesn't really matter which court I play on. Yes, of course, we would have loved to play on Chatrier. It's a beautiful court. But in saying that, all four of us will be ready and prepared and go out there and enjoy it," Barty said.

French Open sinks in 'sexism row' over women's semi-finals switch from show court

French Open sexism row: 'Unfair', 'shameful' shift of women's semi-finals

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-ashleigh-barty-ends-amanda-anisimovas-run-to-reach-final-225255">Barty </a>reached her first final at the majors, coming back from a set and 0-3 down to defeat 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a rollercoaster semi-final.

Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova also made sure of her place in a maiden final at the Slams by edging out Britain's Johanna Konta 7-5, 7-6 (7/2).

Vondrousova is the first teenager in a Paris final since Ana Ivanovic in 2007.

Eighth seed Barty, 23, is the first Australian in a French Open final since Samantha Stosur finished runner-up in 2010.

"That was amazing, both good and bad," said Barty who will rise to the top three in the rankings next week.

"It was the hardest thing that I ever had to do. I am really proud of the way I fought especially in the conditions which were cold and windy. Now I can't wait for the final, it's incredible,"&nbsp;Barty said.

Both semi-finals got underway after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-sexism-row-unfair-shameful-shift-of-womens-semi-finals-225161">accusations of sexism</a> were made against French Open organisers who had decided to shift the matches away from the showpiece Court Philippe Chatrier.

The main arena had already been scheduled to stage the men's semi-finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic against Dominic Thiem.&nbsp;

The WTA said the decision, taken after Wednesday's play was washed out and prompted by fears of more rain Friday, was "unfair and inappropriate".

Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo of France said it was a "disgrace".

Barty, 23, raced into a 4-0 lead with successive breaks as Anisimova, plagued with nerves, managed just one point.

The 17-year-old saved two set points in the sixth game to finally get on the board and retrieved a break for 2-5.

She broke twice again for 6-5 but faltered when she served for the set before securing the tiebreak.

Anisimova then led 3-0 in the second set, with Barty failing to win a point.

However, in a perfect capsule of the unpredictable semi-final, played out in front of a half-full Court Suzanne Lenglen, Barty claimed the next six games to level the tie.

The Australian, who once famously took a break from tennis to pursue a cricket career, even recovered from a break at 1-2 down in the decider.

She eventually held her nerve as Anisimova, bidding to become the youngest finalist in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997, fell apart despite gamely saving five match points.

Over on a damp and windy Court Simonne Mathieu, world number 38 Vondrousova battled past 26th seed Konta who was bidding to become Britain's first female French Open finalist since Sue Barker won the 1976 title.

Konta looked the stronger player for large periods of the match but a staggering 41 unforced errors proved costly.

The match was played in an atmosphere more associated with first-round ties rather than semi-finals -- in front of a smattering of spectators on the 5,000-capacity arena.

Konta made a quick start as Vondrousova struggled with the wind and her nerves on serve -&nbsp;the Briton forging 5-3 ahead.&nbsp;

But the 28-year-old stuttered with a one-set lead in sight, missing three set points and then being broken when serving for the opener.&nbsp;

Vondrousova took full advantage, reeling off four straight games to make Konta pay.&nbsp;

Konta gathered herself, though, and took total control of the second set with an early break, moving 5-3 in front again.&nbsp;

But she tightened up once more when the pressure was on, dropping serve when one game from forcing a decider in a downpour of errors.&nbsp;

With light rain falling on Roland Garros, Vondrousova sealed victory by racing through the tie-break and into the final.

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court.

Ashleigh Barty and Marketa Vondrousova set-up a Roland Garros final showdown on Friday, shrugging off a sexism row which had seen their semi-finals shifted away from the tournament's showpiece court. Barty reached her first final at the majors, coming back from a set and 0-3 down to defeat 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-3 in a rollercoaster semi-final. Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova also made sure of her place in a maiden final at the Slams by edging out Britain's Johanna Konta 7-5, 7-6 (7/2). Vondrousova is the first teenager in a Paris final since Ana Ivanovic in 2007. Eighth seed Barty, 23, is the first Australian in a French Open final since Samantha Stosur finished runner-up in 2010. "That was amazing, both good and bad," said Barty who will rise to the top three in the rankings next week. "It was the hardest thing that I ever had to do. I am really proud of the way I fought especially in the conditions which were cold and windy. Now I can't wait for the final, it's incredible," Barty said. Both semi-finals got underway after accusations of sexism were made against French Open organisers who had decided to shift the matches away from the showpiece Court Philippe Chatrier. The main arena had already been scheduled to stage the men's semi-finals between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic against Dominic Thiem. The WTA said the decision, taken after Wednesday's play was washed out and prompted by fears of more rain Friday, was "unfair and inappropriate". Former world number one Amelie Mauresmo of France said it was a "disgrace". Barty, 23, raced into a 4-0 lead with successive breaks as Anisimova, plagued with nerves, managed just one point. The 17-year-old saved two set points in the sixth game to finally get on the board and retrieved a break for 2-5. She broke twice again for 6-5 but faltered when she served for the set before securing the tiebreak. Anisimova then led 3-0 in the second set, with Barty failing to win a point. However, in a perfect capsule of the unpredictable semi-final, played out in front of a half-full Court Suzanne Lenglen, Barty claimed the next six games to level the tie. The Australian, who once famously took a break from tennis to pursue a cricket career, even recovered from a break at 1-2 down in the decider. She eventually held her nerve as Anisimova, bidding to become the youngest finalist in Paris since Martina Hingis in 1997, fell apart despite gamely saving five match points. Over on a damp and windy Court Simonne Mathieu, world number 38 Vondrousova battled past 26th seed Konta who was bidding to become Britain's first female French Open finalist since Sue Barker won the 1976 title. Konta looked the stronger player for large periods of the match but a staggering 41 unforced errors proved costly. The match was played in an atmosphere more associated with first-round ties rather than semi-finals -- in front of a smattering of spectators on the 5,000-capacity arena. Konta made a quick start as Vondrousova struggled with the wind and her nerves on serve - the Briton forging 5-3 ahead. But the 28-year-old stuttered with a one-set lead in sight, missing three set points and then being broken when serving for the opener. Vondrousova took full advantage, reeling off four straight games to make Konta pay. Konta gathered herself, though, and took total control of the second set with an early break, moving 5-3 in front again. But she tightened up once more when the pressure was on, dropping serve when one game from forcing a decider in a downpour of errors. With light rain falling on Roland Garros, Vondrousova sealed victory by racing through the tie-break and into the final.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty, Marketa Vondrousova shrug off sexism row to reach their maiden final

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-sexism-row-unfair-shameful-shift-of-womens-semi-finals-225161">French Open</a> to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday.

The eighth-seeded Barty, the first Australian woman to play a final here since Sam Stosur in 2010, will take on Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday.

Anisimova, who had knocked out defending champion Simona Halep in the previous round, rallied from 5-0 down to take the opening set and open a 3-0 lead in the second, only for the momentum to shift again in favour of Barty.

Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight or semi-finals at a Grand Slam, put up a great fight to save five match points but Barty sealed the win on her sixth in light drizzle.

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the French Open to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday.

Australian Ashleigh Barty ended 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova's run at the French Open to reach the final with a rollercoaster 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 victory on Friday. The eighth-seeded Barty, the first Australian woman to play a final here since Sam Stosur in 2010, will take on Czech teenager Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday. Anisimova, who had knocked out defending champion Simona Halep in the previous round, rallied from 5-0 down to take the opening set and open a 3-0 lead in the second, only for the momentum to shift again in favour of Barty. Anisimova, the first player born in the 2000s to reach the last eight or semi-finals at a Grand Slam, put up a great fight to save five match points but Barty sealed the win on her sixth in light drizzle.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty ends Amanda Anisimova's run to reach final

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-rafael-nadal-to-meet-in-french-open-semi-finals-224365">French Open</a> on Thursday.

In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine.

Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments.

A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set.

Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second.

Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match.

But the respite was shortlived.

Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-open-defending-champion-simona-haleps-run-ended-by-teenager-anisimova-224981">defending champion Simona Halep</a>.

"Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court.

"It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow,"&nbsp;Barty said.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday.

Australian eighth seed Ashleigh Barty reached her first Grand Slam semi-final as she outplayed error-prone American Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5 at the French Open on Thursday. In a quarter-final clash postponed on Wednesday because of heavy rain, Barty produced an intelligent display full of guile in the Court Suzanne Lenglen sunshine. Barty's greater variety proved too much for 2018 semi-finalist Keys whose power game broke down at the vital moments. A reflex backhand winner gave 23-year-old Barty the decisive break when Keys served at 3-4 in the first set. Using her clever changes of pace, she provoked errors from the powerful Keys to break again at 3-3 in the second. Serving for the match at 5-4 Barty wavered for the first time in the match, double-faulting and then netting a forehand on break point to hand Keys a way back into the match. But the respite was shortlived. Keys dropped serve with a double-fault in the next game and this time Barty sealed victory to set up a semi-final clash with American teenager Amanda Anisimova who knocked out defending champion Simona Halep. "Anisimova has been playing some great tennis, to reach a semi-final you must be doing the right things," Barty, who once quit tennis to play cricket, said on court. "It's an exciting opportunity for both us and we will both enjoy it tomorrow," Barty said.

French Open: Australia's Ashleigh Barty outplays Madison Keys, reaches her first semi-finals

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys.

The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

"I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year.

Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back.

The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand.

But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle.

After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals. The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys. The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2, 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova. "I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year. Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back. The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round. She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand. But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run. On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle. After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

French Open: Ashleigh Barty defeats Sofia Kenin to enter quarter-finals

Ashleigh Barty defeated Karolina Pliskova 7-6(1), 6-3 on Saturday to win her maiden Miami Open title and become the first Australian woman since 2013 to reach the top 10 in the world rankings.

After dominating the first set tiebreak, Barty broke the big-serving Pliskova in a 12-minute game to open the second set.

From there on the fatigued Czech, whose semi-final win over Simona Halep finished after 1 am local time earlier on Saturday due to rain delays, put up little resistance.

Barty pumped her fists when Pliskova sent a forehand long on match point to hand the 22-year-old the biggest win of her career, which includes a $1.3 million pay check.

Barty said the key to the match was extending rallies on the warm day in Southern Florida.

"It was important for me to try to make it physical," Barty, the first Australian to win the Miami Open singles title, said in an on-court interview.

"Kaja has the ability to really hit you off the court and take it away from you so I knew I had to have my running shoes on today to try and make as many balls as possible."

Barty fired 15 aces, with Pliskova barely making an effort to return some of them.

"I tried to make the most of it," she said of playing an exhausted opponent.

"You don't get these opportunities every single day and it was important for me to continue and try to do the right things and enjoy the moment as well."

Pliskova, who will rise to world number four on Monday, praised her conqueror.

"I'll make it quick because I'm very tired and it was a long two weeks," the 27-year-old said.

"Congrats to Ashleigh. She played incredible all week, all the matches were close and especially today I thought she came up with some good tennis."

The win capped a memorable week for the 2011 junior Wimbledon champion, who took a break from tennis in 2014 to play professional cricket for the Brisbane Heat.

Barty, the 2018 US&nbsp;Open women's doubles champion, is the first Australian women since Samantha Stosur to crack the WTA's singles top 10.

Ashleigh Barty defeated Karolina Pliskova 7-6(1), 6-3 on Saturday to win her maiden Miami Open title and become the first Australian woman since 2013 to reach the top 10 in the world rankings.

Ashleigh Barty defeated Karolina Pliskova 7-6(1), 6-3 on Saturday to win her maiden Miami Open title and become the first Australian woman since 2013 to reach the top 10 in the world rankings. After dominating the first set tiebreak, Barty broke the big-serving Pliskova in a 12-minute game to open the second set. From there on the fatigued Czech, whose semi-final win over Simona Halep finished after 1 am local time earlier on Saturday due to rain delays, put up little resistance. Barty pumped her fists when Pliskova sent a forehand long on match point to hand the 22-year-old the biggest win of her career, which includes a $1.3 million pay check. Barty said the key to the match was extending rallies on the warm day in Southern Florida. "It was important for me to try to make it physical," Barty, the first Australian to win the Miami Open singles title, said in an on-court interview. "Kaja has the ability to really hit you off the court and take it away from you so I knew I had to have my running shoes on today to try and make as many balls as possible." Barty fired 15 aces, with Pliskova barely making an effort to return some of them. "I tried to make the most of it," she said of playing an exhausted opponent. "You don't get these opportunities every single day and it was important for me to continue and try to do the right things and enjoy the moment as well." Pliskova, who will rise to world number four on Monday, praised her conqueror. "I'll make it quick because I'm very tired and it was a long two weeks," the 27-year-old said. "Congrats to Ashleigh. She played incredible all week, all the matches were close and especially today I thought she came up with some good tennis." The win capped a memorable week for the 2011 junior Wimbledon champion, who took a break from tennis in 2014 to play professional cricket for the Brisbane Heat. Barty, the 2018 US Open women's doubles champion, is the first Australian women since Samantha Stosur to crack the WTA's singles top 10.

Ashleigh Barty beats Karolina Pliskova to win maiden Miami Open title

Karolina Pliskova reached the Miami Open final with an emphatic 7-5, 6-1 win over second seed Simona Halep in soggy South Florida on Thursday night.

The Czech fifth seed will meet Ashleigh Barty in Saturday's final, after the 12th seeded Australian beat Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 in the other semi-final on a day that tested the patience with a seemingly endless number of rain delays.

Pliskova and Romanian Halep played a tight first set, which Pliskova eventually clinched with some outstanding court coverage as she used her long reach to chase down a series of shots by Halep that would have been winners against many a player.

Suitably buoyed, Pliskova raced through the second set and was on the brink of victory, up 5-0 when another shower sent the players to the locker room as the clock struck midnight.

They eventually returned an hour later for Pliskova to close it out in a near-empty arena.

Earlier, Barty was forced to wait out an hour-long rain delay before her match and when it started she and 21st seed Kontaveit were only on the court for about five minutes before weather halted play again.

They returned about two-and-a-half hours later to play one more game and then headed back to the locker room for a third rain delay, this time for two hours.

Barty finally secured the win with an ace on her second match point, six-and-a-half hours after the original scheduled start.

"I have been here for 12 hours today, but really happy with the way I was able to come out after the rain delays and kind of get on the front foot pretty early," said Barty, 22, who has three career titles.

"I did the best with what I had and was able to get out of some tight service games at crucial times and get a bit of a roll on."

Karolina Pliskova reached the Miami Open final with an emphatic 7-5, 6-1 win over second seed Simona Halep in soggy South Florida on Thursday night. The Czech fifth seed will meet Ashleigh Barty in Saturday's final, after the 12th seeded Australian beat Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 in the other semi-final on a day that tested the patience with a seemingly endless number of rain delays.

Karolina Pliskova reached the Miami Open final with an emphatic 7-5, 6-1 win over second seed Simona Halep in soggy South Florida on Thursday night. The Czech fifth seed will meet Ashleigh Barty in Saturday's final, after the 12th seeded Australian beat Estonia's Anett Kontaveit 6-3, 6-3 in the other semi-final on a day that tested the patience with a seemingly endless number of rain delays. Pliskova and Romanian Halep played a tight first set, which Pliskova eventually clinched with some outstanding court coverage as she used her long reach to chase down a series of shots by Halep that would have been winners against many a player. Suitably buoyed, Pliskova raced through the second set and was on the brink of victory, up 5-0 when another shower sent the players to the locker room as the clock struck midnight. They eventually returned an hour later for Pliskova to close it out in a near-empty arena. Earlier, Barty was forced to wait out an hour-long rain delay before her match and when it started she and 21st seed Kontaveit were only on the court for about five minutes before weather halted play again. They returned about two-and-a-half hours later to play one more game and then headed back to the locker room for a third rain delay, this time for two hours. Barty finally secured the win with an ace on her second match point, six-and-a-half hours after the original scheduled start. "I have been here for 12 hours today, but really happy with the way I was able to come out after the rain delays and kind of get on the front foot pretty early," said Barty, 22, who has three career titles. "I did the best with what I had and was able to get out of some tight service games at crucial times and get a bit of a roll on."

Miami Open: Czech Karolina Pliskova and Aussie Ashleigh Barty to meet in final

&nbsp;A ruthless Petra Kvitova trampled on the hopes of the host nation with an emphatic 6-1 6-4 defeat of Ashleigh Barty to reach her second Australian Open semi-final on Tuesday (January 22).

The double Wimbledon champion silenced home fans at a packed Rod Laver Arena, who had barely settled in their seats before the first set was over in a dizzying 27 minutes.

The eighth-seeded Czech faced stiffer resistance from Barty in the second but broke the former cricketer in the ninth game before sealing victory when Barty, seeded 15th, netted a return.

The Czech, who reached the 2012 semi-finals at Melbourne Park, returned to the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time since claiming her second Wimbledon title in 2014. Kvitova also was unable to compete for several months after sustaining career-threatening hand injuries in 2016 when an attacker stabbed her at her apartment.

She will play unseeded American Danielle Collins for a place in Saturday's (January 26) final.

A ruthless Petra Kvitova trampled on the hopes of the host nation with an emphatic 6-1 6-4 defeat of Ashleigh Barty to reach her second Australian Open semi-final on Tuesday (January 22).

A ruthless Petra Kvitova trampled on the hopes of the host nation with an emphatic 6-1 6-4 defeat of Ashleigh Barty to reach her second Australian Open semi-final on Tuesday (January 22). The double Wimbledon champion silenced home fans at a packed Rod Laver Arena, who had barely settled in their seats before the first set was over in a dizzying 27 minutes. The eighth-seeded Czech faced stiffer resistance from Barty in the second but broke the former cricketer in the ninth game before sealing victory when Barty, seeded 15th, netted a return. The Czech, who reached the 2012 semi-finals at Melbourne Park, returned to the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time since claiming her second Wimbledon title in 2014. Kvitova also was unable to compete for several months after sustaining career-threatening hand injuries in 2016 when an attacker stabbed her at her apartment. She will play unseeded American Danielle Collins for a place in Saturday's (January 26) final.

Australian Open: Kvitova crashes Barty party to reach semi-finals

Petra Kvitova warmed up for the year's first Grand Slam by coming from behind to beat home favourite Ashleigh Barty 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) and win her second Sydney International title on Saturday.

Kvitova, the 2015 champion, surrendered her serve in the opening game and struggled to recover from her poor start, with the Czech's usually lethal backhand disintegrating amid a flurry of unforced errors in the first set.

The world number eight hit her stride in the second, staying within touching distance of Barty until pouncing to take a 6-5 lead with a late break of serve and holding to force a decider.

"Ash, I know it's a tough one. For sure, it's hurting not to win at home," Kvitova said after closing out the match in two hours, 19 minutes. "One day you're going to make it for sure, so good luck in the Aussie Open and well done this week."

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"Thank you for everything!" 
 
After a gruelling week, <a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> gets her hands on the <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SydneyTennis</a> trophy! <a href="https://t.co/J6eU4zpU1N">pic.twitter.com/J6eU4zpU1N</a>
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Kvitova made 45 unforced errors to Barty's 33, but struck 31 clean winners, nine more than her opponent, as she edged the contest from the back of the court.

Barty, ranked 15th in the world and a losing finalist in Sydney last year, has a reputation for being a fighter and called on every last ounce of grit to force another early break and take a 3-0 lead at the start of the third.

Yet Kvitova showed plenty of fight of her own, clawing her way back to 3-3 despite struggling with an apparent injury and, with her backhand finally firing, broke again to give herself a chance to serve for the championship.

Incredibly, the momentum shifted once more, with Barty breaking the Czech to love to keep her hopes of a first Sydney title alive, but the Australian's composure deserted her as she lost the next game on serve to give Kvitova another chance.

Once again, the Czech fluffed her lines, surrendering her serve with successive double faults to send the match into a tiebreak but clung on grimly to carve out a championship point that she claimed with a blistering crosscourt forehand.

"I left everything out here but it wasn't quite enough," Barty said. "Sorry I couldn't get it done today."

This year's tournament is likely to be the last Sydney International -- a competition with a history dating back to 1885 -- in its current format, with the ATP Cup coming on board next season.

Petra Kvitova warmed up for the year's first Grand Slam by coming from behind to beat home favourite Ashleigh Barty 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) and win her second Sydney International title on Saturday.

Petra Kvitova warmed up for the year's first Grand Slam by coming from behind to beat home favourite Ashleigh Barty 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(3) and win her second Sydney International title on Saturday. Kvitova, the 2015 champion, surrendered her serve in the opening game and struggled to recover from her poor start, with the Czech's usually lethal backhand disintegrating amid a flurry of unforced errors in the first set. The world number eight hit her stride in the second, staying within touching distance of Barty until pouncing to take a 6-5 lead with a late break of serve and holding to force a decider. "Ash, I know it's a tough one. For sure, it's hurting not to win at home," Kvitova said after closing out the match in two hours, 19 minutes. "One day you're going to make it for sure, so good luck in the Aussie Open and well done this week." "Thank you for everything!" After a gruelling week, @Petra_Kvitova gets her hands on the @SydneyTennis trophy! pic.twitter.com/J6eU4zpU1N — WTA (@WTA) January 12, 2019 × Kvitova made 45 unforced errors to Barty's 33, but struck 31 clean winners, nine more than her opponent, as she edged the contest from the back of the court. Barty, ranked 15th in the world and a losing finalist in Sydney last year, has a reputation for being a fighter and called on every last ounce of grit to force another early break and take a 3-0 lead at the start of the third. Yet Kvitova showed plenty of fight of her own, clawing her way back to 3-3 despite struggling with an apparent injury and, with her backhand finally firing, broke again to give herself a chance to serve for the championship. Incredibly, the momentum shifted once more, with Barty breaking the Czech to love to keep her hopes of a first Sydney title alive, but the Australian's composure deserted her as she lost the next game on serve to give Kvitova another chance. Once again, the Czech fluffed her lines, surrendering her serve with successive double faults to send the match into a tiebreak but clung on grimly to carve out a championship point that she claimed with a blistering crosscourt forehand. "I left everything out here but it wasn't quite enough," Barty said. "Sorry I couldn't get it done today." This year's tournament is likely to be the last Sydney International -- a competition with a history dating back to 1885 -- in its current format, with the ATP Cup coming on board next season.

Czech tennis star Petra Kvitova defeats Ashleigh Barty to claim Sydney title

Serena Williams

Serena Williams battled back from a set and break down to defeat Australia's Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

The three-time champion and former world number one, dressed again in her all-black catsuit, is playing her first Slam since winning the 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant.

The 36-year-old, seeking a 24th Grand Slam title, will face Germany's Julia Goerges for a place in the last 16.

If she gets past the third round, Williams could face old rival Maria Sharapova for a place in the quarter-finals.

"It's just incredible," said Williams.

"I am so happy to be back here. I lost the first set and thought I must try harder, I must try harder and then Serena came out.

"I will be back tomorrow to play doubles with Venus. I don't mind playing singles and doubles -- I will fight my heart out."

Williams, playing in her first Slam since winning 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant, had cruised through her opening round match against Kristyna Pliskova in what was a record 317th win at the Slams.

But Thursday was a tougher proposition for the 36-year-old American who was playing just her sixth match of 2018.

Williams appeared once again in her striking, all-black catsuit.

However, her game failed to match her impressive outfit in the first set where she was broken in the sixth game by the Australian.

Barty wrapped it up when the American netted a weary-looking forehand, the 12th unforced error of the set for the 23-time major winner.

Williams hit just three winners in the opener while 22-year-old Barty could afford to bide her time, just two winners and four unforced errors.&nbsp

She was a break down again after dropping serve in the opening game of the second set.

But just as the half-full crowd enjoying the late evening sunshine in Court Philippe Chatrier anticipated a quick kill, Williams came storming back, reeling off four straight games for 4-1.

A fifth ace of the contest won her the set.

A break in the third game of the decider proved crucial and Williams now ranked 451 in the world, claimed victory on a second match point with a sweeping, running forehand.

Maria&nbspSharapova

Sharapova, the champion in Paris in 2012 and 2014, saw off Donna Vekic 7-5, 6-4 in a tie which featured 10 breaks of serve and secured on a fifth match point.

Former world number one Sharapova, seeded 28 this year, will face Czech sixth seed Karolina Pliskova for a place in the fourth round.

"She won a big title in Stuttgart, so I have to be ready for this match and I'll be ready," said Sharapova of Pliskova, a player she defeated in their only previous meeting in the 2015 Fed Cup final.

The Russian star is playing in Paris for the first time since a quarter-final run in 2015. She served a doping ban in 2016 and was refused a wild card last year.

Rafael Nadal​​​​​​​

Ten-time champion Rafael Nadal breezed into the third round and a clash against childhood friend Richard Gasquet.

Top seed and world number one Nadal, chasing an 11th title, swept past Argentinian Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, showing no signs of the brief struggles he faced in the first round against lucky loser Simone Bolelli.

The 31-year-old will next face home favourite, and his old junior rival Gasquet, whom he has beaten 15 times from as many meetings in professional tennis.

"Richard is a very good friend. We've known each other since we were 11 or 12 years old so it will be very special to play again against him," said the champion.

Simona Halep

Top seed Simona Halep reached the third round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 win over Taylor Townsend of the United States.

Halep, twice a runner-up in Paris, will face Germany's Andrea Petkovic for a place in the last 16.

Garbine Muguruza

Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 champion, was too strong for France's number 257 Fiona Ferro 6-4, 6-3.

Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem

Title challengers Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem struggled into the last 32.

Third seed Cilic reached the third round for the eighth time with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5 win over Polish qualifier and world number 188 Hubert Hurkacz.

Seventh-seeded Thiem, a semi-finalist in 2016 and 2017, racked up his 31st win of the year.

The Austrian, the only man to beat Nadal on clay this year, saw off Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match which had been suspended overnight after the third set.

Serena Williams battled back from a set and break down to defeat Australia's Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday.

Serena Williams Serena Williams battled back from a set and break down to defeat Australia's Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the French Open third round on Thursday. The three-time champion and former world number one, dressed again in her all-black catsuit, is playing her first Slam since winning the 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant. The 36-year-old, seeking a 24th Grand Slam title, will face Germany's Julia Goerges for a place in the last 16. If she gets past the third round, Williams could face old rival Maria Sharapova for a place in the quarter-finals. "It's just incredible," said Williams. "I am so happy to be back here. I lost the first set and thought I must try harder, I must try harder and then Serena came out. "I will be back tomorrow to play doubles with Venus. I don't mind playing singles and doubles -- I will fight my heart out." Williams, playing in her first Slam since winning 2017 Australian Open while two months pregnant, had cruised through her opening round match against Kristyna Pliskova in what was a record 317th win at the Slams. But Thursday was a tougher proposition for the 36-year-old American who was playing just her sixth match of 2018. Williams appeared once again in her striking, all-black catsuit. However, her game failed to match her impressive outfit in the first set where she was broken in the sixth game by the Australian. Barty wrapped it up when the American netted a weary-looking forehand, the 12th unforced error of the set for the 23-time major winner. Williams hit just three winners in the opener while 22-year-old Barty could afford to bide her time, just two winners and four unforced errors. She was a break down again after dropping serve in the opening game of the second set. But just as the half-full crowd enjoying the late evening sunshine in Court Philippe Chatrier anticipated a quick kill, Williams came storming back, reeling off four straight games for 4-1. A fifth ace of the contest won her the set. A break in the third game of the decider proved crucial and Williams now ranked 451 in the world, claimed victory on a second match point with a sweeping, running forehand. Maria&nbspSharapova Sharapova, the champion in Paris in 2012 and 2014, saw off Donna Vekic 7-5, 6-4 in a tie which featured 10 breaks of serve and secured on a fifth match point. Former world number one Sharapova, seeded 28 this year, will face Czech sixth seed Karolina Pliskova for a place in the fourth round. "She won a big title in Stuttgart, so I have to be ready for this match and I'll be ready," said Sharapova of Pliskova, a player she defeated in their only previous meeting in the 2015 Fed Cup final. The Russian star is playing in Paris for the first time since a quarter-final run in 2015. She served a doping ban in 2016 and was refused a wild card last year. Rafael Nadal Ten-time champion Rafael Nadal breezed into the third round and a clash against childhood friend Richard Gasquet. Top seed and world number one Nadal, chasing an 11th title, swept past Argentinian Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-1, showing no signs of the brief struggles he faced in the first round against lucky loser Simone Bolelli. The 31-year-old will next face home favourite, and his old junior rival Gasquet, whom he has beaten 15 times from as many meetings in professional tennis. "Richard is a very good friend. We've known each other since we were 11 or 12 years old so it will be very special to play again against him," said the champion. Simona Halep Top seed Simona Halep reached the third round with a comfortable 6-3, 6-1 win over Taylor Townsend of the United States. Halep, twice a runner-up in Paris, will face Germany's Andrea Petkovic for a place in the last 16. Garbine Muguruza Spanish third seed Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 champion, was too strong for France's number 257 Fiona Ferro 6-4, 6-3. Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem Title challengers Marin Cilic and Dominic Thiem struggled into the last 32. Third seed Cilic reached the third round for the eighth time with a 6-2, 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 7-5 win over Polish qualifier and world number 188 Hubert Hurkacz. Seventh-seeded Thiem, a semi-finalist in 2016 and 2017, racked up his 31st win of the year. The Austrian, the only man to beat Nadal on clay this year, saw off Greek teenager Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a match which had been suspended overnight after the third set.

French Open: 'Serena came out' - Williams fights back as Nadal, Sharapova cruise

Germany&#39;s Angelique Kerber beat Australia&#39;s Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to win the Sydney International for her ninth consecutive win of the new season on Saturday.

With this win Kerber cracks top 20 again, going to the 14th place. She will definitely be among the ones to watch at the Australian Open.

The former world No.1 was too strong for Barty, winning the final 6-4, 6-4 to give her a massive confidence boost for next week&#39;s Australian Open in Melbourne.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
...that winning feeling ???????????????? <a href="https://twitter.com/SydneyTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SydneyTennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamAngie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamAngie</a> #????11 <a href="https://t.co/YNpKdUh1sM">pic.twitter.com/YNpKdUh1sM</a>
&mdash; Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber/status/952095249907830785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Kerber&#39;s second win over the 19th-ranked Barty in three meetings.

Kerber, who began last year as No.1 before finishing at No.22, continued her 2018 resurgence and remains unbeaten this year.

Kerber won her four matches at last week&#39;s mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth before her five victories in Sydney.

It was the first time an Australian woman featured in the Sydney International final since 2005 when Alicia Molik took the title over Sam Stosur.

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Kerber defeated Australia's Barty in straight sets, 6-4 6-4 after an hour and 11 minutes long rally

Germany's Angelique Kerber beat Australia's Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to win the Sydney International for her ninth consecutive win of the new season on Saturday. With this win Kerber cracks top 20 again, going to the 14th place. She will definitely be among the ones to watch at the Australian Open. The former world No.1 was too strong for Barty, winning the final 6-4, 6-4 to give her a massive confidence boost for next week's Australian Open in Melbourne. ...that winning feeling ???????????????? @SydneyTennis #TeamAngie #????11 pic.twitter.com/YNpKdUh1sM — Angelique Kerber (@AngeliqueKerber) January 13, 2018 × It was Kerber's second win over the 19th-ranked Barty in three meetings. Kerber, who began last year as No.1 before finishing at No.22, continued her 2018 resurgence and remains unbeaten this year. Kerber won her four matches at last week's mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth before her five victories in Sydney. It was the first time an Australian woman featured in the Sydney International final since 2005 when Alicia Molik took the title over Sam Stosur.

Angelique Kerber beats Ashleigh Barty to win Sydney International

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