Barty, Dellacqua cruise in Open doubles

Ashleigh Barty has bounced back from her Australian Open singles defeat, claiming a doubles win with partner Casey Dellacqua over Swiss legend Martina Hingis and American Coco Vandeweghe.

The Aussie duo held off a late fightback to claim a 6-2 7-5 second-round win at Melbourne Park on Saturday.

It was just their third match together since 20-year-old Barty’s return to tennis, having made the doubles finals at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open during a golden run in 2013.

Dellacqua, who played a key role in luring Barty back to tennis, said she had been delighted by her partner’s comeback after her spell away from the game to play cricket.

“It’s been awesome. I’m super proud of her,” Dellacqua said.

“She’s come so far. I’m just so happy that she is starting to realise how good she is. She’s always worked hard, put in a good effort and she’s just getting rewarded for that now.

“Just seeing her now, back in a different frame of mind and refreshed, it’s a thrill to watch her do well.”

Barty’s singles campaign came to an end at the hands of German veteran Mona Barthel on Friday night, losing 6-4 3-6 6-3.

But it was an impressive return from the Queenslander, who will rise around 70 places to sit around the edges of the world’s top 150 with the result.

“It was really nice today to come out after a disappointing night last night and to be able to get up for the match and play well,” Barty said.

“We’re going out there match by match and just looking to play some good tennis.”

Barty and Dellacqua will face German Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Czech Kveta Peschke in the third round.

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