BIRMINGHAM, June 24, 2019
Ashleigh Barty is the champion of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham. The No. 2 seed from Australia won her 12th match in a row to clinch her ascension to World No.1, as Barty defeated Julia Goerges of Germany 6-3, 7-5 in Sunday’s singles final.
The 23-year-old sent down nine aces, winning 79 per cent of her first service points to secure victory in one hour and 28 minutes.
.@ashbar96 is the #NatureValleyClassic champion and will be crowned World No.1! 🏆
Defeats Julia Gorges 6-3, 7-5! pic.twitter.com/hUel3jBl5D
— WTA (@WTA) 23. Juni 2019
“It’s just been the most incredible journey for myself and my team,” Barty said, as quoted on the WTA Website. “You always dream of No.1 as a little kid but to become a reality is incredible. It’s not something that was even in my realm this year; we were aiming to be Top 10 and now to be where we are is a testament to the people around me who’ve been with me these last three years. We started from scratch, without a ranking, and to be where we are is a massive achievement for me and for them.”
Barty is the first Australian woman to reach world No.1 since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976 and is likely to be seeded in the top spot for Wimbledon next week.
In a message of congratulations, Evonne Goolagong Cawley said she believes Ash has earned her place as world No.1.
“Since she came back into tennis Ash has worked hard and step by step the results have come,” Goolagong Cawley said.
“In 2019, with all the pieces in place, her rise has been almost unstoppable. Ash is a very worthy No.1 and winning at the French will have given her even more confidence. I am so proud that another Aboriginal player sits on top of the rankings in women’s tennis, particularly a young lady who conveys such happiness in all she does.
“She really enjoys being out there and she has become an outstanding and inspirational example to all Australians. Well done Ash – long may your success continue.”
