Little-known Italian tennis player Lucia Bronzetti gave a telling response when asked how it felt to be on the receiving end of a ruthless Ash Barty domination.
Barty was at her destructive best in her second-round Australian Open clash at Rod Laver Arena, charging to a 6-1 6-1 victory in just 52 minutes.
Bronzetti had eliminated a more fancied opponent in the first round of the Melbourne major, edging world No.78 Russian Varvara Gracheva 3-6 6-2 6-3.
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But the 23-year-old, ranked 142nd in the world and competing in her first singles grand slam draw, realistically stood no chance in her match against Barty.
Bronzetti wasn’t even ranked inside the top 300 as recently as 2020.
The size of the challenge posed by Australian world No.1 Barty was clear as Bronzetti fielded questions in her post-match press conference.
“For me it was a dream to play in Rod Laver (Arena) against the No.1 in the world,” Bronzetti said.
“It’s an experience which I will bring for all my life and I hope it is the first of many.
“I am happy, I am happy.”
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Barty’s touching tribute to tennis legend
Former British tennis star Sam Smith felt sympathetic for Bronzetti during the match.
“You have to feel for Lucia,” Smith said on Nine’s Wide World of Sports.
“One minute she’s playing the ball off her toes and next she needs a step-ladder.”
Barty will meet Italian world No.33 Camila Giorgi in the third round.
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