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World number one Ashleigh Barty dished out a bruising defeat to Britain’s Harriet Dart to reach the last 16 at Wimbledon.
It was a singles debut on Centre Court for both women but the gulf was all too
clear as Barty wrapped up a 6-1 6-1 victory in just 53 minutes.
“It’s always nice to have quick matches. I think it’s nice to know that I can go in and execute and get my job done,” said the Australian.
On top of the world and on top form… #Wimbledon | @ashbar96 pic.twitter.com/Yq2vvUmwAS — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2019
“In saying that, a lot of my matches haven’t been as easy as the scoreline suggests. I think there have been some really tricky moments.
“Today at 4-1, that was a really important game. It was really nice to be able to get out of that and play some good tennis to get out of that game.”
Barty faces Alison Riske next with a potential quarter-final looming against Serena Williams.
The 37-year-old laid down a marker in her bid for an eighth title with a straight-sets win over the dangerous Julia Goerges.
In a repeat of last year’s semi-final, Williams was too strong for the German
18th seed and triumphed 6-3 6-4.
Maybe hitting with Andy Murray, her mixed doubles partner, on Friday has had a positive effect as the American, only recently back from injury, was moving and serving much better than in her first two matches.
“I just need to keep it up,” she said.
“Each match for me really counts. I haven’t had a tremendous amount. It’s just
about keeping going, doing what I’m doing in practice hopefully.”
Two-time champion Petra Kvitova strolled into round four with another
straight-sets win.
Next up: Johanna Konta or Sloane Stephens Two-time #Wimbledon champion @Petra_Kvitova, yet to drop a set at this year’s Championships, moves into the fourth round with a stylish victory over Magda Linette pic.twitter.com/4Qf2d8eOn1 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2019
The Czech sixth seed, yet to drop a set all week, beat Magda Linette of Poland
6-3 6-2 in just over an hour.
She will face Britain’s Johanna Konta, who came from a set down to extend her 100 per cent record against Sloane Stephens to four matches.
Fourth seed Kiki Bertens will not see the second week after a straight-sets
defeat by world number 54 Barbora Strycova.
The Dutchwoman was overpowered by experienced Czech Strycova who ran out a 7-5 6-1 winner.
