Ashleigh Barty?s Team Triumph Over Greeks Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari at Tokyo Olympics 2020

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been a blockbuster tournament so far. Tennis fans, in particular, have enjoyed every bit of the competition. Courtesy of one too many enthralling battles, fans have been thoroughly entertained on most days and absolutely stunned on the others. Hence, it continues to make front-page headlines, as some of the world’s best battle it out for gold. Regardless, none were prepared for the showdown that was about to take place in Tokyo today. Playing in the quarter-finals of the mixed doubles event was Australian pair, Ashleigh Barty and John Peers up against Greeks, Maria Sakkari and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Right from the first swing, both teams gave it their all. Playing with their hearts on their sleeve, they left no room for error. However, as both looked to dominate right away, a feisty outing was on the cards. In a test of character and spirit, one was bound to outplay the other.

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First set thriller: Stefanos Tsitsipas and Sakkari vs Barty and Peers

The first set of the match was a reassurance of what the rest of the game was about to look like. Both teams went all in, looking to establish an upper hand and get the all-important lead. Notably, there was not much separating the two. Courtesy of their strong starts and undying spirit, the game was tied at 4-4 up until game 9.

However, the Australians woke up in the next game and took the match head-on. They recorded points on 22 out of 28 of their first serves and a remarkable 6 out 6 on their second serve. They dominated over the Greeks, forcing them into committing 11 errors and making them lose focus towards the end of the set. Hence, Ashleigh Barty and John Peers won the first set in deserving style, as the scoreline read, 6-4.

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Fighting for their place in the match, the Greeks started the second set strong. Going in, they maintained an authoritative approach, winning the first two games on the bounce. Undoubtedly, they looked to turn the game on its course. However, expecting the Aussies to sit back down would be a huge mistake.

While Ashleigh Barty defended their lead, Stefanos Tsitsipas lead the attack for the Greeks. Halfway through the second set, it was still anyone’s game.

Final countdown

It was safe to say that both teams put on an epic show, and fans enjoyed every bit of it. However, there could be only one winner, despite the phenomenal display from both the teams. Canceling the Greek memorable fightback, Ashleigh Barty and John Peers cruised into the semi-finals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in straight sets. As fans watched stunned, the final scoreline read 6-4, 4-6, 10-6.