Barty upset by alternate Bertens at WTA Finals

Ashleigh Barty of Australia hits a return shot against Kiki Bertens of Nerlands during ir WTA Finals Tennis Tournament in Shenzhen, China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019.  World . 1 Ashleigh Barty was upset by late substitute Kiki Bertens 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at WTA Finals on Tuesday. Bertens arrived at elite tournament as an alternate and has suddenly jumped into title contention with or seven players in draw. She took place of Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from finals on Tuesday with a right shoulder injury ahe of her second round-robin match.

With little tice she’d be playing, Bertens earned her first career victory over Barty in five matches played. Bertens came close to beating Barty in Beijing semifinals this month, losing in a third-set tiebreaker. Bertens is 1-0 and Barty 1-1 in Red Group standings. Last year, Bertens reached semifinals in her WTA Finals debut, bowing to defending champion Elina Svitolina.

Bertens struggled against Barty to find her form in first set but settled in second to even set score. Dutchwoman broke serve on a fourth breakpoint in opening game of third and raced 4-0 ahe. Despite loss, Barty officially secured year-end . 1 ranking. She’s first Australian woman to earn that distinction. Only Karolina Pliskova and Osaka h an opportunity to prevent Barty from finishing season as year-end . 1. y both h to win title here with a perfect record in round-robin. Pliskova lost to Elena Svitolina in her opening round-robin match in Purple Group on Monday.