ASHLEIGH Barty was left to rue a missed opportunity as fourth seed Elina Svitolina desperately withstood the Queenslander’s Wimbledon challenge.
Barty led the first set 5-3 and had her chances in the second set before departing 7-5 7-6 (10-8) against the world No 5.
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Serving for the first set at 5-4, Barty lost three games in a row — and critical momentum.
Barty generated 11 break points, but converted just three in a match of contrasting styles.
Ashleigh Barty returns serve.Source:Getty Images
]Svitolina was the more conservative with 26 winners and 23 unforced errors. Barty was far more adventurous with 40 winners but made 41 unforced errors.
The Australian saved five match points in a gripping second-set tiebreak before Svitolina scrambled to safety.
Svitolina required treatment on her right foot before rain caused a delay during the second set.
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina wins a point against Australia’s Ashleigh Barty.Source:AP
Originally published as Barty blows lead against fourth seed
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