Aussie Ashleigh Barty came up against the likes of Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova too early during the clay season. She is now relishing a return to the grass, exemplified in her ranging, power-quelling semifinal victory over Naomi Osaka, 6-3, 6-4. Her opponent, Johanna Konta, never truly looked troubled in her semifinal match against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.
Barty’s Backhand Needs Focus in the Final
Naomi Osaka never settled into her normal powerful rhythm in the semis. This made Barty’s job a great deal easier. The match did highlight a strategy improvement area for the Australian. She would often opt to slice the backhand rather than hit through it. Whilst the slice was fully effective Saturday, more depth and hitting through the ball will be required in the final. That said, Barty is versatile enough to mix it up and add to her one WTA Title to date. This was gained on hard court at the Malaysian Open. However, it’s surprising that Barty does not have a title on grass – she more than has the game for it.
Konta overcomes Rain Delay to beat Donna Vekic
A back injury and service troubles meant for a disastrous first set for Vekic that Konta took 6-2. Vekic did not seem happy the entire match, spending energy and focus arguing that a ball was out. However, the chalk dust from it hitting the line rose so high it might even have hit her in the face. Konta kept her composure before and after a rain delay. She took the match 6-2, 6-3 – far more comfortably than she would have expected. Konta has yet to be really tested in Nottingham. This should change against Barty.
This is the most composed and focused Konta has been since getting a new coach late last season.
Barty v Konta Previously
The head-to-head is level at 1-1. That said, it was at the quarterfinal stage at Nottingham last year, when Konta’s grass court victory came over the Aussie. Konta reversed a defeat last year against Vekic, this year. Barty will be hoping to do the same.
Prediction: Barty is showing impressive range lately. She should just sneak this and gain her first grass court title.
