Ash Barty crashes out of Brisbane International at hands of qualifier

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty has made a losing start to 2020, stunned by American giantkiller Jennifer Brady at the Brisbane International.

The world No.53 qualifier backed up her victory over Maria Sharapova on Tuesday to defeat Barty in straight sets on Pat Rafter Arena 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

The loss came after Barty had to wait until Thursday to begin her Australian summer, with the men’s ATP Cup having a mortgage on centre court earlier in the week.

It’s the first time in three matches 24-year-old...