Ash Barty knocked out of Tokyo Olympics women’s singles in first-round upset

Ash Barty was knocked out of the Olympics women’s singles tournament in the first round Sunday by world No. 48 Sara Sorribes Tormo in Tokyo. 

Barty entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, having won a historic Wimbledon title just two weeks ago. 

The Australian was broken early and couldn’t fight back, with Sorribes Tormo eventually claiming a 6-4, 6-3 win. Barty was broken in just her second service game of the opening set, handing the Spaniard the early advantage. 

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Shockingly, Sorribes Tormo then broke for the second time in the match for a 4-1 lead in the set. 

Barty clawed one break back but couldn’t save the set as she searched for her timing and precision.

On serve at 3-2 in the second set, Barty had the chance to earn her second break of the match and take a crucial lead in the frame. She was thwarted by some desperate defense and fearless hitting from Sorribes Tormo, who managed to hold serve. 

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Things went from bad to worse for Barty in her next service game, with Sorribes Tormo claiming yet another break point.

Behind 5-3 and serving to stay in the Olympics, Barty saved two match points but couldn’t hold off a third as Sorribes Tormo broke again for the biggest win of her career. 

Barty is still in the women’s doubles, having taken a 6-1, 6-2 win alongside Storm Sanders in the first round Saturday. 

This story will be updated.

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