Ash Barty has continued her strong start to the summer with a straight-sets rout of 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

Key points:

  • Ash Barty has continued her preparations for the Australian Open with a top performance in the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International
  • Barty beat American Sofia Kenin — who defeated her in the 2020 Australian Open — in straight sets
  • Barty will face either Victoria Azarenka or Iga Świątek on Saturday for a place in the final

Barty delivered a serving masterclass to storm into the semi-finals of the Adelaide International with a comprehensive 6-3, 6-4 victory over the free-hitting American on Friday.

Australia’s world number one showcased her full array of shots in the 68-minute clinic, her signature backhand slice and powerful forehand drive both on song.

But it was Barty’s deadly serve that most impressed and left Kenin with no hope of competing with the top seed at Memorial Drive.

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As well as hammering down 17 aces, Barty won an extraordinary 31 of 32 points after landing her first serve.

She was 16 from 16 in the first set alone, more than enough to take the set after breaking Kenin in a marathon sixth game.

There was no let-up as Barty broke Kenin in the opening game of the second set, continuing to slam down aces and eventually securing victory after barely an hour.

The win offered Barty a semblance of revenge for her shattering semi-final loss in the Australian Open two years ago.

That day, with her cherished home grand slam trophy within her clutches, Barty served for both sets only for Kenin to triumph 7-6 (8/6), 7-5 before going on to defeat Garbine Muguruza in the final.

Champion in Adelaide in 2020, Barty next plays either two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka or titleholder Iga Świątek on Saturday.

AAP