Birthday girl Barty into Stuttgart final
Birthday girl Barty into Stuttgart final
STUTTGART, Germany (AFP) - World number one Ashleigh Barty celebrated her 25th birthday by fighting back to beat Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals of the WTA clay-court tournament in Stuttgart on Saturday.
Despite losing the first set in just a over half an hour, Barty hit back to seal a 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-2 win over the Ukrainian fourth seed.
The Australian will meet either second-seed Simona Halep or Aryna Sabalenka in Sunday s final.
"It s important to believe. Regardless of the score, I always try and find the right way," said Barty, who also lost the opening set of Friday s quarter-final against Karolina Pliskova.
"She is one of the best competitors on the tour, so I knew it would be a very hard fought match and the margins would decide it," Barty added before being presented with a bouquet of flowers with "Happy Birthday" played over the arena s sound system.
Barty had little time to celebrate the win or her birthday as she had to partner Jennifer Brady against Vivian Heisen and Wang Yafan in the doubles semi-final.
However, the Australian was seeking no sympathy despite the quick turnaround.
"I love to play tennis and I love to compete, so to do it on my birthday is even more special," added Barty.
