How home crowd abandoned Ash Barty in Australian Open loss

Petra Kvitova sent the Australian Open crowd into a stunned silence on Tuesday night as she sent Ash Barty tumbling out.

The first Australian to make the women’s last eight since Jelena Dokic a decade ago, Barty was a passenger for most of the match, powerless to stop Kvitova’s relentless assault.

The normally vocal home crowd wasn’t given many chances to cheer for Barty in a 6-1 first set, but many felt like they could have offered more support.

Aussie favourite Dylan Alcott was among those taking to social media to bemoan how quiet it was inside Rod Laver Arena.

Barty later admitted that Kvitova’s explosive start killed off her home-court advantage.

“I think it’s hard for a pro Australian crowd to get involved when I’m down 6-1 in the first set, to be honest,” Barty said.

“Petra took the crowd out of it, as well. I knew she would be trying to do that.

“From my point of view, it doesn’t really change how I behave or perform on the court.

“The crowd obviously has an impact in some regard, but certainly none of my influence tonight.”

Barty on the beers after brilliant week

Barty said was planning a celebratory beer rather moping around after having her gallant Australian Open title bid come to a shuddering halt at Melbourne Park.

Offering no regrets, Barty could only salute Kvitova after tennis’s comeback queen crushed the Queenslander’s Open dream with a ruthless quarter-final defeat on Tuesday night.

Barely two years after being told she’d likely never play again after having her left playing hand shredded in a vicious stabbing, Kvitova put paid to Barty’s hopes of ending Australia’s 41-year singles title drought with a 6-1 6-4 masterclass.

“Sorry, guys. I beat Ashleigh,” Kvitova told the subdued crowd at Rod Laver Arena.

“She’s such a nice person and you should be very proud of her.

“Great match. I start very well, I served well.

“In the second set, she doesn’t give me anything for free and I really had to fight.”

Barty isn’t content with departing Melbourne with a fresh career-high ranking of No.14 in the world after a spectacular summer.

“Obviously once you get a taste of it, you’re always hungry for more,” she said, having only returned to tennis in 2016 following an 18-month hiatus.

“I finished the season of 2018 with a title. I’ve had my best start to 2019.

“Certainly no complaints from here.

“It’s been a hell of a month of tennis. I’m extremely proud of myself and of my team.

“I think we’ll certainly kick back with a beer tonight and be able to celebrate.”

with AAP