Barty exits Wimbledon as Serena coasts through

World number one Ashleigh Barty's hopes of becoming the first Australian women's champion in nearly four decades were dashed on Monday opening the way for Serena Williams to potentially equal the all-time Grand Slam haul.

Having looked assured last week, while Williams was not altogether convincing, it was the 23-year-old Australian who cracked and went down in three sets to unseeded American Alison Riske 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Barty's defeat also leaves 15-year-old Coco Gauff as a significant title contender. Gauff, who needs to reach the semi-finals to emulate the then 15-year-old Jennifer
"I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash," said Riske "The grass definitely brings out the best in me. Hopefully it will rub off and happen in other places too." The prospect of palying 37-year-old Williams did not have her knees knocking together in fear either: "Bring it on!"
- 'Feel a relief' -
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"Finally I can play tennis."
"Last time I faced a fellow American, I lost," she said in reference to her loss to Sofia Kenin at Roland Garros "She's great on the grass and took out the number one player in the world who's just won a grass court tournament (Barty won in Birmingham)."