Barty crushes Doi, Gauff survives Samsonova at the Volvo Car Open

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty kicked off her 2021 clay-court campaign in style, bulldozing past Misaki Doi to advance at the Volvo Car Open. She was joined by American Coco Gauff, who had a tougher time against Liudmila Samsonova, but was able to escape with the victory.

Barty required just 60 minutes to defeat her Japanese opponent, cruising past the World No.77 in a 6-2 6-1 victory. The top seed fired seven aces, winning an astounding 90% of points on her first serve. Furthermore, she proceeded to break her opponent five times, as she won 60% of points on Doi's serve.

The Aussie has been in great form after lifting the trophy at the Miami Open, and she faces the winner of the all-American battle between Shelby Rogers and Amanda Anisimova for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Another American in action on Wednesday was Coco Gauff, as the 17-year old rallied from a set down to prevail 4-6 6-1 6-4 against Samsonova. The 14th seeded Gauff looked shaky in the first set, but regained control and never looked back as she powered her way through in two hours.

Gauff will face compatriot Lauren Davis in the round of 16, as Davis upset second seed Sofia Kenin earlier in the day.