Learn the story behind this week’s “special” post-match interview between Casey Dellacqua and Ash Barty in Episode 6 of Sport Insights with Emageo.
Former doubles partners and close friends Dellacqua and Barty were this week reunited on Rod Laver Arena after the world No.1’s straight sets second round victory at the Australian Open.
Barty was quick to poke fun at now Channel 9 commentator Dellacqua in an interview that delighted the crowd.
“This is the highlight of my day,” Barty said. “I wonder if I can stitch you up here. Obviously today was really special. It was nice having you sitting right there, staring at me at every change of ends, making sure I’m doing all the right things.”
In the latest episode of Sport Insights with Emageo which takes listeners behind the scenes at the Australian Open, Emageo Group Managing Director Sam Maxwell said while Dellacqua was clearly nervous in the interview, it was a wonderful moment for both.
“It was really special,” Maxwell said. “I think it was special for the both of them. They’ve shared a number of great moments on and off the tennis court for many years now.
“Case was sort of told in the afternoon the day before what her role was going to be Channel 9 for Ash’s match.
“She was going to be sitting court side for commentary. I was actually in the locker room speaking with the two of them before and Ash was sort of teasing Casey saying: ‘If you do do the post-match I’m going to give you one-word answers and be a bit of a nightmare.’ Case was probably secretly hoping that that wouldn’t happen.
“Ash is great and she is natural. It was really heartfelt and touching.”
Casey Dellacqua “interviews” Ash Barty after her second round 6-1 6-4 victory over Polona Hercog.
Watch: @Channel9
Stream: https://t.co/YVc8u4pCVY#9WWOS #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/QnRZ27BOgP— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) January 22, 2020