Ash Barty is knocked out in the first round of the Olympics singles draw as critics say she played the ‘worst tennis in a long time’
- Tennis superstar Ash Barty knocked out of the first round of the Tokyo Olympics
- Barty was beaten by Spanish player Sara Sorribes Tormo in 6-4, 6-3 showdown
- Australian player looked like she would make a comeback at start of second set
- Though Barty was unable to place crucial shots on the court to carry the win
- Commentators were quick to label Barty’s performance as ‘all over the place’
- Find out the latest Tokyo Olympic news including schedule, medal table and results right here
Ash Barty has been knocked out of the Tokyo Olympics in the first round in a stunning upset just two weeks after winning Wimbledon.
The Australian tennis world No.1 was beaten by Spanish player Sara Sorribes Tormo in the 6-4, 6-3 singles showdown.
Barty looked as if she was ready to make a comeback by the start of the second set but was unable to land crucial shots on the court.
Ash Barty has been knocked out of the first round of the Tokyo Olympics
The Australian tennis superstar was beaten by Spanish player Sara Sorribes Tormo in the 6-4, 6-3 showdown
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado described her playing as ‘all over the place’.
American sports reporter Timothy Burke added: ‘Ash Barty is playing the worst tennis I’ve seen her play in quite a while.’
Commentators described her shots as ‘uncharacteristically loose’ saying they did not see the ‘steel, that ability to bounce back and put points like that behind her.’
Praise was heaped on Tormo for standing her ground before eventually stealing the second set win from her opponent.
‘The last two games Ash has been up in score but hasn’t been able to close the game out,’ the commentator said.
‘I keep pointing it out but it is just another example of Sorribes Tormo not just giving you any free points, free games, free opportunities to really feel your way through the match.’
Barty was visibly disappointed by the shock loss and did not deliver any comment post-match.
Barty looked as if she was ready to make a comeback by the start of the second set though was unable to land crucial shots on the court
Tennis commentator Jose Morgado described Barty’s performance on the court as ‘all over the place’
Barty was left visibly disappointed following the shock loss and did not deliver any comment post-match
Journalist John Baldock said he had never seen so many unforced errors with Barty delivering 27 compared to Tormo’s 5.
‘I’ve never seen more unforced errors from Ash in a single set of tennis as in the 2nd,’ he said.
Tormo was in much higher spirits and let out a delighted cheer at the end of the match.
Barty’s performance came after delivering a powerhouse display during the first round of the women’s doubles the day before.
Tormo was in much higher spirits and let out a delighted cheer at the end of the game
The tennis legend played alongside teammate Storm Sanders to thrash the Japanese team 6-1, 6-2.
Barty described it as a ‘dream for both of us’ to compete with her childhood friend in the Tokyo Olympics.
‘And to be here in some of the most unique circumstances I think ever for an Olympic Games, it’s really awesome for us.
‘We’re very grateful and thankful that we’re able to be here to play and to experience what is really cool Games.’
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