Ashleigh Barty is once again Australia’s last hope in the US Open women’s singles following the second-round exit of Ajla Tomljanovic.

Tomljanovic, the Australian No.2, fought hard in searing heat before bowing out 4-6 7-5 6-2 to Estonia’s world No.21 Anett Kontaveit on Thursday.

Barty faces her first seeded challenge of the tournament on Friday after world No.29 Maria Sakkari lived up to growing expectations with a three-set win over Peng Shuai to book a showdown with the French Open champion.