Barbora Strycova upsets No. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza at Australian Open

MELBOURNE – The women’s draw lost another top seed on Saturday afternoon at the Australian Open, with Wimbledon finalist and world No. 3 Garbiñe Muguruza summarily dismissed by veteran Barbora Strycova 6-3, 6-2 inside Rod Laver Arena.

Here’s how it happened.

Scoreline -- Barbora Strycova (CZE) def. [3] Garbiñe Mugurza (ESP) 6-3, 6-2: A 29-year-old journeywoman, Strycova looked undeterred by the big stage, matching Muguruza stroke for stroke as the Spaniard failed to wake herself up for the 11 AM match. She makes the second week of a major for just the second time in 39 Grand Slam appearances.

Strycova has one WTA singles title to her name but 17 in doubles, reaching a career-high doubles ranking of No. 14 in the world in 2011. She's been part of the Fed Cup-winning Czech team in 2011, 2012, 2014 and last year.

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What it means: An already depleted bottom half of the women’s draw opens up for those who still remain. Chief among them is Victoria Azarenka, the two-time champion here and former world No. 1 who won through on Saturday and will square off against the Czech player Monday. Azarenka leads their head-to-head matches 4-0, including in the last two Australian Opens. Also in contention on the bottom half: Madison Keys, Ana Ivanovic and No. 7 seed Angelique Kerber.

How it happened: Muguruza, who had a Cinderella run to the Wimbledon final before losing to Serena Williams last year, looked lethargic throughout, losing the opening set in 38 minutes and falling behind 2-0 to start the second.

When it looked like Muguruza might right her ship midway through the second, Strycova dug in even deeper. On match point the 22-year-old Spaniard cracked a backhand well long, her 32nd unforced error of the day.

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Key stat: Those errors from Muguruza, which came early and often. Strycova was steady throughout, hitting 15 winners and 16 unforced errors. She won 74 percent of points on first serve and was a perfect five for five at the net, as well as four for four on break points.

In truth, Strycova won this match with patience: She hit the ball into the court too many times for an off-key Muguruza.

What she said: “I felt very good on court today,” a smiling Strycova said on court.

Asked if she would scout her next opponent later this afternoon, Strycova said: “I will enjoy myself a little since I beat No. 3 in the world first. Then yes, I’ll watch a few balls.”

It was a different story for Muguruza.

“Clearly not my best, for sure,” Muguruza said after the loss. “I think today is a very bad day at the office. I just couldn't find the court, my shots ... I didn't really find my game. I didn't feel quite good at any moment today.”

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