World No. 1 player Ashleigh Barty was facing American player Bernarda Pera in the opening round match. It was their first-ever meeting and it went in the Australian’s favor, winning the match 6-4 3-6 6-2. However, she was not at her 100% and it was her experience that helped her cross the finishing line. 

Set 1: Ashleigh Barty begins proceedings on a positive note

The American player began serving in the opening set and held serve after nine minutes. Ashleigh Barty held her first service game with ease and broke Bernarda Pera in the very next game. 

Soon after, the American upped the ante and broke right back, levelling the set at 2-2. However, the former champion took advantage of her opponents’ second serve and broke again. 

After 45 minutes into the match, Ashleigh Barty took the opening set 6-4. During the set, both players registered winners and it was Pera’s unforced errors that led to her losing the set. 

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Set 2: Bernarda Pera steps up to send the match into the decider

As the second set began, the American player focused and raced to a 3-0 lead. The early break gave her the advantage and she served well to hold all service games in the set. 

After 43 minutes into the set, Bernarda Pera sent the match into the decider, claiming the second set 6-3. During the set, Pera won 73% of her first-serve points. Barty hit six winners in the set, whereas Pera hit 15 winners past her opponent. 

Set 3: Experience of Ashleigh Barty sees her through

Before the start of the final set, Ashleigh Barty took a medical time out. She has been dealing with an arm injury for the past few weeks. 

The Australian player began serving in the third set. Both players held their service games, however, Barty faced difficulties in holding her serve as compared to the American. 

Nonetheless, in the sixth game of the set, Pera was broken when the Australian’s experience came in handy. The Australian player did well to see the game off, winning the set 6-3.

It will be interesting to see how she performs in the next round of the French Open 2021 as she is dealing with an injury. 

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