Agency :
Ashleigh Barty’s Australian Open victory has not only made her the first home singles champion for 44 years, but also the most successful Australian singles player in four decades
What would Ashleigh Barty’s advice for the girl in the photo holding her racket and trophy be knowing her journey now? “Be patient, have fun, trust your gut every day of the week.”
Barty’s dream came finally true after she ended Australia’s 44-year wait for a home winner at the Australian Open by beating American Danielle Collins in the final on Saturday.
Jim Joyce was the coach that discovered her as a four-year-old in Queensland, mentoring and coaching Barty into becoming a tennis superstar.
She’s now the complete player having become just the second active female player to claim Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces, alongside 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
But a humble Barty believes there is still work to be done alongside her current long-time coach Craig Tyzzer, who has successfully turned the former cricketer and disillusioned tennis talent to all-conquering champion.
“I feel very humble to be in such a select group. To be honest, I don’t really feel like I belong with those champions of our sport. I’m still very much learning and trying to refine my craft and try and learn every single day and get better and better,” said the 25-year-old.
