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Reuters
Reuters
Sport

Barty too hot for Kenin as Aussie's French Open run continues

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Australia's Ashleigh Barty celebrates after winning her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

PARIS (Reuters) - Ashleigh Barty's impressive run at the French Open continued on Monday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3 3-6 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The eighth seed, who claimed a career-boosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys.

The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Australia's Ashleigh Barty in action during her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

"I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom," said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year.

Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back.

The American had found her range, though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court -- just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Sofia Kenin of the U.S. in action during her fourth round match against Australia's Ashleigh Barty. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

She saved two break points at 5-3 and levelled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand.

But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Australia's Ashleigh Barty in action during her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler

After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

(Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Tony Lawrence)

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Sofia Kenin of the U.S. in action during her fourth round match against Australia's Ashleigh Barty. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Australia's Ashleigh Barty in action during her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 3, 2019. Australia's Ashleigh Barty in action during her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler
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