US Open 2019: Barty rallies into round two after dreadful start

Beaten 6-1 in the first set, Ashleigh Barty dug deep to avoid humiliation and defeat Zarina Diyas in three at the US Open.

French Open champion Ash Barty survived a first-round scare at the U.S. Open on Monday, staving off 25-year-old Zarina Diyas 1-6 6-3 6-2 after struggling to find her footing as the action kicked off at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Ashleigh Barty recovered from a terrible first set to defeat Zarina Diyas 1-6 6-3 6-2 to move into the second round at the US Open.

The first match-up at Arthur Ashe Stadium, French Open champion Barty - the second seed - looked shell-shocked as Diyas preyed on her errors early on at Flushing Meadows.

Barty rallied impressively, however, and maintained her hopes of a second grand slam title following an underwhelming fourth-round exit at Wimbledon.

The Australian - a former cricketer no doubt dismayed by Sunday's Ashes Test result - had allowed Diyas to race into a 5-0 lead before she came up with a superb forehand down the line to get on the board.

But despite preventing a humiliating bagel, Barty gifted away the set as she fired long when a looping return from Diyas had sat up comfortably for her.

Diyas then dug in well early in the second, preventing a swift riposte to keep the set on serve and Barty still on the brink of elimination.

However, the favourite slowly started to turn the screw and her first break point opportunity was converted as she forced Diyas into the net, setting up a comfortable hold to tie the match.

And an eight-minute game early in the third proved decisive as Diyas was worn down and Barty finally capitalised on a fourth break point.

A dominant break to love then allowed Barty to serve out the match and advance to face Lauren Davis or Johanna Larsson in round two.