Player of the Day: Barty survives opening-round scare

Ashleigh Barty didn't have her most impressive day at the office on Thursday, but in this game it's not always about who plays better tennis, but who can work with what they have to win. The Aussie was trailing Kristina Kucova 2-5 in the deciding set, but it would be hard to tell from an observer's point of view.

There was no anger or frustration as she made errors or chose the wrong shot. Instead, she kept calm to deny a match point and win five consecutive games to take the match, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

Barty happens to be the reigning champion at the WTA-1000 event. In the 2019 edition, she defeated Kiki Bertens, Petra Kvitova and Karolina Pliskova in the final to win what was at the time her biggest career title. This of course means that the world No. 1 is also defending major points at this year's event.

“Overall just really happy that I never gave up and just gave myself the chance to stay on the hunt," Barty said following her Houdiniesque win.

Miami's top seed will next take on Jelena Ostapenko for a spot in the Round of 16. Barty leads their head-to-head series, 2-1.

Quick Facts:

1

Barty has claimed one major singles title. (2019 Roland Garros)

13

She is playing her first event outside of Australia in 13 months.

9

Total number of career titles.