Sorribes Tormo stuns Barty on dream Olympic debut in Tokyo
Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo has goosebumps, and for good reason.
The world No. 48 made a dream debut at the Olympic Tennis Event on Sunday, stunning world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty in straight sets to bring a surprise early end to the two-time Grand Slam champion’s bid for Olympic singles gold.
“It was incredible I don’t know what to say… I still have goosebumps. It’s amazing,” said Sorribes Tormo after beating the Australian 6-4 6-3 in the opening match on Centre Court at the Ariake Tennis Park.
“It’s the best victory in my career, for sure,” she continued. “Because of the place, for who she is, because of what the Olympics means to me and because of playing for Spain.”
Playing for her country seems to bring out the best in the 24-year-old. Last February, while on Billie Jean King Cup duty, she recorded a stunning 6-0 6-3 victory over the face of these Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Naomi Osaka, to help Spain to a 3-1 triumph over Japan.
This triumph goes one better, and she was the better player throughout – pulling up a 4-1 lead in the first set and breaking early to lead the second - albeit having to see off several determined attempts from Barty to fight her way into form. So did she allow her mind to wander towards thoughts of an upset?
“In no moment,” said Sorribes Tormo, categorically. “Only when I felt the last ball. I was very focused – ball after ball.
“The dream of my life was playing here. I still have the goosebumps [after that]. Winning against the No. 1… I don’t know how to describe it.”
Sorribes Tormo’s reward for her momentous victory is a second round clash against Frenchwoman Fiona Ferro, who achieved a turn-around 2-6 6-4 6-2 triumph over Anastasija Sevastova earlier today.
Barty, meanwhile, admitted she was off the pace against a 'tough competitor'.
"I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to get through today, it just wasn’t my day," she said. "Credit to Sara though, she is always a tough competitor.
"I never really felt comfortable out there and wasn’t able to play the match on my terms," she added. "The key to my game is serving well and I wasn’t able to do that today. I was a bit erratic and made too many errors."
The world No. 1, who has contested all four Grand Slam finals in doubles and won the 2018 US Open with Coco Vandeweghe, is hoping to put aside her singles disappointment with a medal-challenge alongside childhood friend Storm Sanders. The pair face Chinese pairing Xu YiFan and Yang Zhaoxuan in round two.
"I’ve always enjoyed doubles and have loved the chance to play with Storm here in Tokyo," she said. "She’s a quality person and makes the most of every opportunity she’s given. I’m excited to get back out there tomorrow with Storm and keep fighting for that gold medal."