Ashleigh Barty loses to qualifier Jennifer Brady at Brisbane International
World No.1 Ashleigh Barty has been stunned in her first match of the Brisbane International, losing in her home town event to qualifier Jennifer Brady.
Brady, the world No.53 who beat Maria Sharapova in her previous match, won the Round of 16 encounter 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in an hour and 31 minutes.
Barty did not look herself through the match and now misses out on valuable court time ahead of the Australian Open. She next plays in the Adelaide International.
It was a massive win for Brady, a 24-year-old American. She committed just 15 unforced errors in the match, against a costly 26 for Barty.
Ash Barty during her Brisbane International match against Jennifer Brady. Getty
Jennifer Brady during her win over Ashleigh Barty in Brisbane. Getty
"The last few times I played her, she was pretty dominant," said Brady, who was previously 0-2 against the Australian.
"I think today I knew what to expect. She beat me twice already, I didn't want to lose three in a row.
"She's obviously very solid, reads the game so well. I was fortunate enough to win a lot of free points on my serve and hold my serve throughout the match."
The Australian never held a break point against Brady, while the American converted one of four.
Barty's loss was unfortunate, given that she had pledged to donate her entire prize money winnings to the Australian bush fire relief effort.
The generosity of the gesture remains, though her takings were about $32,000 as opposed to a winner's purse of $387,000.
