Barty lost to Kenin in the Australian Open semifinals at Melbourne Park two years ago. On Wednesday, Barty beat Coco Gauff in three sets in her season opener after almost four months since her last competitive outing. The 2020 French Open champion beat two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Earlier, seventh-seeded Elena Rybakina beat Shelby Rogers 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the semifinals. Cilic beat Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-2 and Monfils defeated sixth-seeded Tommy Paul 6-4, 6-1.

Source: New York Times January 07, 2022 21:48 UTC