Australian Open: Bencic Stunned by Bartůňková in Second Round Exit
Tenth-seeded Belinda Bencic’s journey at the Australian Open came to an unexpected end in the second round. She faced world No. 126 Nikola Bartůňková, who managed to pull off a thrilling upset with a score of 6–3, 0–6, 6–4.
A Shift in Momentum
Bencic was considered a strong contender for the title, having performed well in the United Cup earlier this month. However, the young Czech player Bartůňková, making her Grand Slam debut after advancing through qualifying, proved to be a formidable opponent.
The Match Breakdown
- First Set: Bartůňková initially outperformed Bencic, capitalizing on the Swiss player’s struggles. She established a 4–2 lead after breaking Bencic’s serve three times.
- Second Set: In a complete turnaround, Bencic tightened her game. She dominated the set, finishing with a 6–0 score and notching up three break points.
- Deciding Set: Despite Bencic breaking back after an early setback, she missed crucial break opportunities in the sixth game. Bartůňková took control and ultimately won the match, closing out with a 5–3 lead despite the pressure.
Impressive Statistics
Bartůňková’s performance was marked by impressive statistics, despite an inconsistent first serve rate:
| Set | Score | First Serve Percentage | Points Won on First Serve |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6–3 | 38% | 90% |
| 2 | 0–6 | N/A | |
| 3 | 6–4 | N/A | N/A |
Next Steps for Bartůňková
This significant win marks a milestone in Bartůňková’s career. She will advance to the third round, where she is set to face Elise Mertens, the 21st seed from Belgium. The upcoming match will be an essential test for the rising star.
