Ash Barty beats Daria Gavrilova in straight sets in Australian Open second-round clash

Ash Barty experienced some nervous moments on her serve but still beat Fed Cup teammate Daria Gavrilova in straight sets in the second round of the Australian Open.

The world number one, who wore strapping around her left thigh, lost four service games and chalked up six double faults for the match.

Barty squandered a 5-2 lead when she served for the match in the second set, but found her composure to eventually win 6-1, 7-6 (9/7) against her fellow Australian in one hour and 32 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.

The win sees Barty advance to the last 32 in Melbourne for the fifth consecutive year.

It also continues her unbeaten return to the WTA Tour after she sat out most of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Barty made a…