Ashleigh Barty defended her Miami Open title on Saturday, with her opponent Bianca Andreescu forced to retire from their final, before launching a passionate defence of her status as the sport’s world No. 1.
Barty, the one-time Grand Slam champion from Australia, was in complete control of the match before an ankle sprain for her opponent brought a premature conclusion to the contest at 6-3 4-0.
It was a disappointing end to the first chapter of a rivalry that should be a mainstay of women’s tennis over the next decade but the tournament could prove significant in announcing both of their returns to the top of the sport. (Metro)