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Match details
Fixture: (1) Ashleigh Barty vs Danka Kovinic
Date: 9 February 2021
Tournament: Australian Open 2021
Round: First round (Round of 128)
Venue: Melbourne, Australia
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: AUD 80 million
Match timing: 7 pm local time, 1.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six
Ashleigh Barty vs Danka Kovinic preview
Ashleigh Barty enters the 2021 Australian Open with huge expectations on her shoulders. As the top seed at this year's tournament, the Ipswich-born player is looking to end the home nation's 43-year trophy drought.
But Barty seems to have taken her newfound status as a regular Slam contender in her stride. She looked calm and composed throughout last week at the Yarra Valley Classic, capturing the title after downing Garbine Muguruza in the final.
The Aussie is now set to face Montenegrin No. 1 Danka Kovinic in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday.
Kovinic has been around the tour for quite some time and can prove to be a tricky customer. She is a two-time WTA finalist and has scored a couple of wins over top-10 players, the latest of which was against Belinda Bencic just last year.
Most of Kovinic's big results, however, have come on slower surfaces. Her solid counterpunching skills are well-suited to the European claycourts, where she spent a lot of her formative years.
That said, Kovinic's win over Bencic is testament to her ability to go toe-to-toe with top players on all surfaces, and Barty would be well aware of the threat.
Ashleigh Barty vs Danka Kovinic head-to-head
Ashleigh Barty and Danka Kovinic have never crossed paths on the tour before, so their current head-to-head stands at a 0-0 deadlock.
Ashleigh Barty vs Danka Kovinic prediction
Ashleigh Barty enters this contest as a heavy favorite. Playing her first tournament in nearly a year at the Yarra Valley Classic, she exhibited very little rust en-route to the title.
All the elements of her game, including her serve and sliced backhand, came together really well in the week leading up to the Slam. And that should be a concern not just for Danka Kovinic, but for everyone in the draw.
The Montenegrin will have to be prepared to handle all the variety that her opponent is likely to throw at her. A proactive approach, especially on serve, will also help her stay in the reckoning.
Kovinic definitely has the game to push Barty, but she will have to be on the lookout for the entire match. Even the slightest let-up in intensity could end up costing her the match.
Prediction: Ashleigh Barty to win in two tight sets.
