(January 19, 2022) No. 1 Ashleigh Barty and no. 13 Naomi appears to be on a collision course to meet in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Both women progressed Wednesday.
Defending champion Osaka defeated American Madison Brengle 6-0, 6-4. The woman from Japan lost only four points in the first set. Osaka tackles another American in the third round in Amanda Anisimova.
World no. 1, Barty, needed just 52 minutes to beat Lucia Bronzetti, 142nd seed, 6-1, 6-1.
Barty did it on the first First Nation Day at the Australian Open. The 25-year-old is from a native Australian heritage. “It was fun for me to be a part of it in a way that I feel most comfortable with.”
“One day we bring cultures together, bring people together … it was great for me to be able to play a small role in doing what I love.”
The no. 6-seeded Rafael Nadal defeated German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-2, 6-3, 6-4. Nadal is looking for his 21st major title that would put him in the lead over Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
“I started here before the tournament started saying things are not going to be perfect, but every day that I am going to spend on the track, the chances of playing better are greater,” he said. “After two games, it is time to take a step forward. I’m excited about that. ”
Other men advancing: no. 3 Alexander Zverev, no. 7 Matteo Berrettini, no. 14 Denis Shapovalov, no. 17 Gael Monfils and no. 23 Reilly Opelka.
Progress in the draw for women, Barbora Krejcikova, no. 26 Jelena Ostapenko, no. 5 Maria Sakkari, no. 8 Paula Badosa, no. 15 Elina Svitolina, no. 24 Victoria Azarenka and Elina Svitolina.
