Barty doesn't allow history to repeat itself in Australia

Ashleigh Barty prevented history from repeating itself as she defeated Riske to reach Australian Open quarterfinals

Alison Riske has been somewhat of a kryptonite for Barty as she lost both times she played against her. She wouldn't allow history to repeat itself this time as she defeated Riske in three sets. Speaking to the media after the match she paid tribute to her opponent:

"Alison is not just a tough opponent for me, she's a tough opponent for every single girl on the tour. She has the ability to adapt her game, to make the opponent uncomfortable. I think she's got a great tennis brain of problem-solving, as well."

It was high praise for the American who came up just short of the quarterfinal. Neither played we're helped by the windy conditions during the match. Barty herself called the conditions tricky before elaborating further:

"I think end to end was very different. The breeze is always a little bit different at court level than it is kind of up in the stands. Tonight was stronger than the other days. It was just about adapting and trying to work through it as best as you can. It was important to try and hold and stay and fight for every point from the end where you were against the wind, and make the most of it when you were with the wind."

By winning against Riske, Barty set up a repeat of last year's quarterfinal against Kvitova. She still hopes to become to first Australian female tennis player to win the Australian Open since 1978.