Alison Riske has a new “biggest win of her career.”
The Peters Township native defeated top-seeded and world No. 1 Ash Barty, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, in a fourth-round match at Wimbledon, propelling her to the quarterfinals of a major for the first time in her career.
Riske didn’t overpower Barty, instead relying on consistency and a lack of errors. Riske had just 15 unforced errors, won 20 of 27 net points attempted and converted on all four of her break chances in the victory.
“I haven’t been starting out fantastic in all my matches, but I knew I had the confidence that if I could manage my service games I was going to get looks on her serve,” said Riske, whose best previous showing was reaching the third round at Wimbledon and the fourth round at the 2013 U.S. Open. “I had to play aggressive. I had to take it to Ash.”
Riske advances to face Serena Williams, who defeated Carla Suarez Navarro, 6-2, 6-2.
Riske, who was ranked No. 55 in the world heading into the tournament, perhaps could reach her highest career ranking when it’s over. She peaked at No. 36 in 2017.
Barty had won 15 matches in a row, including the French Open title. She was playing her first tournament as the No. 1-ranked player.
The Associated Press contributed.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect that this was a fourth-round match.
