There is bad news from Serena Williams’ camp. The American legend decided to withdraw from the Yarra Valley Classic, where she was supposed to play a mouth-watering semifinal against the local favorite and world no.1 Ashleigh Barty. Eventually, after a hard-fought win against her compatriot Danielle Collins, Serena decided not to play the final 4.
The official reason for Williams’ retirement is a right shoulder injury. She may have no issues in playing the Australian Open.
Ashleigh Barty
Serena’s retirement is great news for Barty. In fact, she will access the final while taking a day off so as not to put too much strain on her body during this week that precedes the Australian Open.
Ashleigh also won a tough quarter in 3 sets against Shelby Rogers to comment:
“I think the rust is always there for everyone the first few matches of the season. But without a doubt, I felt better and better each match. Each match has been very different, different challenges, different things I’ve had to overcome, which is the best thing, to be able to work through those and give myself another chance to play a little bit better the next day, focus on some new challenges for the next day.”
Barty will face either Marketa Vondrousova or an in-form Garbine Muguruza in the final.
Serena Williams in Melbourne, ranking, and results in 2021
Currently ranked no.11, Serena has achieved a 3-0 record in 2021. Serena Williams is now having a run in Melbourne where she managed to beat Daria Gavrilova 6-1 6-4, Tsvetana Pironkova 6-1 6-4 and Danielle Rose Collins 6-2 4-6 10-6.
Serena Williams will square off with Barty in the semifinal. Their head to head is 2-0
for Serena Williams.Serena won 73 titles in her career: 43 on hard courts, 13 on clay courts, 7 on indoor courts, 2 on carpet courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Barty in Melbourne, ranking, and results in 2021
At the moment ranked no.1, Ashleigh has a composed 3-0 match record in 2021. Ashleigh is currently competing in Melbourne where she managed to beat Ana Bogdan 6-3 6-3, Marie Bouzkova 6-0 4-6 6-3 and Shelby Rogers 7-5 2-6 10-4.
Ashleigh Barty will take on Williams in the semifinal. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Williams.
The Australian won 8 titles in her career: 4 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty faced off only 2 times. Their current record is 2-0 for Williams. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Serena Williams won 3-6 6-3 6-4 in the 2nd round in Paris (French Open) in May 2018.