Ashleigh Barty in interview: "I feel like I'm playing my best tennis"
We talked to Ashleigh Barty about her rise to the top of the world rankings, her passion for doubles and how she became a better tennis player through cricket.
by Press release / Porsche
last edit: Oct 28, 2019, 11:02 am
These are exciting days for Ashleigh Barty . As the winner of the "Porsche Race to Shenzhen", Australia's new tennis star has received a Porsche Cayenne Coupe before its first serve at the WTA Finals - as a fitting award for a fantastic season. On Sunday, the 23-year-old French Open winner also won her opening match 5: 7, 6: 1, 6: 2 against the Swiss Belinda Bencic at the prestigious final tournament in the Chinese high-tech metropolis.
Ashleigh, you have played a fantastic season. Is your victory in the "Porsche Race to Shenzhen" the deserved reward?
"This is indeed an incredible year for me, and it's not over yet. Being at this point now and winning the Porsche Race to Shenzhen is really exciting. It was a very special season, in which I played extremely solid. I feel like I'm playing my best tennis. But we will continue to work hard on my game and I hope I can finish this great year with a very good performance here at the WTA Finals. "
Do you sometimes find it difficult to realize what you have achieved this year?
"Yes. That's why I am so happy and glad that all this is behind me and that I and my team can calmly look back on this incredible year. Then we will have the time to sit back and celebrate extensively all the successes we have achieved together this season. "
For your victory in the "Porsche Race to Shenzhen" you received a Porsche Cayenne Coupé. Do you really like to drive a car - and where do you prefer to sit, on the steering wheel or on the front passenger seat?
"I really enjoy driving a car, especially when I'm at home in Australia. Unfortunately, when we are on the WTA tour, unfortunately, I rarely get there. I would say, first and foremost, I am a safe driver. Of course, I prefer to sit on the steering wheel. But I hope that I am also a calm and relaxed co-driver. "
What does it mean for you to be Number 1?
"It's a bonus. I've been able to improve all year round and I think I have earned this place at the top of the world rankings with consistently good performances. Nevertheless, I will continue to work hard to become a better player and develop myself as a personality. And of course, I'll try everything to stay at the top for as long as possible. "
You have won the French Open and are number one - do you meet your colleagues differently now than before?
"No not at all. I would be happy if I were respected by the other players and would be popular with everyone, no matter how I play and in which world ranking list I stand. I'm really good friends with a lot of players, and that's not changed by my successes. "
After the US Open in 2014, you said goodbye to tennis for almost two years and played cricket professionally for Brisbane Heat. How did this time-out affect you - as a tennis player and as a personality?
"First and foremost, it changed me as a human being. It took me that time to grow as a person. For me, it was the opportunity to lead a normal teenage life. I developed and became much more mature. During this time, I found out that tennis is what I really want, and that was very important to me. I've developed an even greater passion for my sport and also more momentum. This break was obviously exactly what I needed. And I certainly would not be here at the WTA Finals, if I had not taken that time out. "
What are your strengths that you can always rely on on the pitch?
"That's my serve and my backhandlice. I especially like to use them, I can always count on them. Otherwise, I imagine that my game is already very complete. I always try my best and fight for every single point. "
In Australia, you were honored with the "Don Award" for Sports Personality of the Year and are now in line with sports legends Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe. What does that mean to you?
"To be perfectly honest, when I got this award at the Hall of Fame, I felt like I was not in this room at all. Suddenly, I found myself amidst Australia's legendary athletes, who have inspired generations of athletes all over our country and left their mark everywhere. I am humbled that my achievements have been recognized in this way. It's been a wonderful night."
They are one of the top players who regularly compete in doubles. What fascinates you about it and what does it bring you?
"I love to play doubles. It's just nice to have a girlfriend on the court. Playing double can be very relaxing, and it gives me a good feel for the geometry of the place. For me it is part of tennis. I enjoy it and will definitely continue in doubles. "
Will we see you in 2020 at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart?
"I would love to play in Stuttgart. Whether it will be already in 2020, I can not say yet. Because of the Olympic Games, our tournament calendar is slightly different than usual, which we have to take into account in my season planning. If not 2020 - one day I will hopefully be able to play in Stuttgart. "
At the French Open you have fulfilled your dream of the first Grand Slam victory. Which tournament do you want to win in 2020?
"There are many tournaments I would like to win. But now it is important to finish this year successfully. After that, I'll rest, reflect on the season again, and then set goals for 2020. "
What are your plans for the WTA Finals after their inaugural victory?
"That's actually quite simple: I want to go to the square, fight and enjoy playing against the best in the world this week. These WTA Finals are an extreme challenge, every single match is a difficult task. So I'm going out on the field, trying to have fun and hopefully show my best tennis. "