Barty ‘party’ continues: on top of the WTA as Wimbledon front runner

Ashleigh Barty wins key Wimbledon warm-up event at Birmingham over doubles partner and “best friend” Julia Görges, 6-3, 7-5, a few weeks after winning her maiden slam at the French.

The remarkable journey for Ashleigh Barty continues. Following up her first Masters crown in Miami, the 23-year-old achieved her maiden slam at the French Open. One month later, she’s locked in an important grass title the week before Wimbledon begins. Most impressive of all, however, is that the Australian will sit on top of the WTA rankings come Monday.

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Having won each of these milestones on different surfaces (hard, clay and grass), Barty has established herself as the one to beat at any tennis tournament.

“I’m a little bit speechless at the moment,” Barty said during the trophy presentation.

The Ipswich native replaced Australian Open winner Naomi Osaka as the new world No. 1. Having won the only two grand slams so far, the two players are slowly establishing a captivating rivalry.

“You always dream of it [being world No. 1] as a little kid but for it to become a reality is incredible.”

Barty left the game in 2014, feeling disheartened and she took up professional cricket for a short time. She came back a few years ago with a renewed love of tennis, and began the slow process of rising back up the rankings. The Queenslander talked about her surprise rapid ascension this year.

“It’s not something that was even in my realm, this year we were aiming for Top 10 and now to be where we are is a testament to all of the people around me,” Barty said in her on-court interview.

“We started from scratch three and a half years ago without a ranking and now to be where we are is not only for me, but a massive, massive achievement [her team].”

Barty knew her Birmingham opponent, Julia Görges, well. The two doubles partners made the semifinal, but withdrew from that match and instead focussed on their singles final on Sunday.

Turning to her opponent during the trophy presentation: “Jules [Görges], I couldn’t think of a better person to share the court with. We’ve had an incredible week in singles and doubles. You’re one of my best friends on tour, you’ve always been there for me ever since I was just a little tacker running around annoying everybody,” said Barty.

The words and embrace at the net demonstrated how close these two friends and partners are.

Barty’s sixth WTA victory places her in the company of other celebrated Australian tennis players, including her hero, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, the last Australian woman to be world No. 1 (1976).

No rest for the weary, however. The Birmingham winner will head straight to Eastbourne. After that, it’s the All England Club for the grass slam, where her all-around game suits perfectly. She will be the clear front runner.

But first, a mini celebration.

“Make sure we’re ready to go, but we’ll certainly have a beer or two.”

Eastbourne begins Monday, June 24. Wimbledon takes place July 1. Stay tuned here for all your “Road to London” Wimbledon coverage.