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Barty not concerned despite first up loss

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AFP Brisbane
Last Updated : Jan 09 2020 | 12:51 PM IST

World number one Ashleigh Barty remains upbeat about her Australian Open preparations despite losing her opening match of the season at the Brisbane International on Thursday.

American qualifier Jennifer Brady notched up her first ever win over a top 10 player when she beat Barty 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Pat Rafter Arena.

It was Barty's first match on home soil since becoming world number one, and came at the venue she trains at and in front of thousands of her adoring home fans.

Barty conceded afterwards she had simply been outplayed by Brady, who also beat former world number one Maria Sharapova in the first round.

"Jen was in control of the match -- she was in the centre of the court being the aggressor and I think you have to give credit where credit's due," Barty, who practised with Brady early this week, said.

"She came through qualifying, but she's got a ranking that's kind of well below what a lot of people give her credit for.

"She's playing some exceptional tennis, so I certainly can't take that away from her. She played a great match today and deserved to win."

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First Published: Jan 09 2020 | 12:51 PM IST

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