Australian Open: Chris Evert - Ash Barty before the Career Grand Slam?
Ash Barty made Australian tennis history with her triumph at the Australian Open. The only thing missing for the great dominator of women's tennis in recent months is the major title at the US Open to complete the prestigious Career Grand Slam.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 29, 2022, 05:04 pm
Ash Barty could see the tremendous pressure that the Australian felt when she perfectly placed a last, wonderful forehand pass ball and made the final triumph over Danielle Collins at the Australian Open 2022 perfect. And thus ended a 44-year dry spell for Australian tennis at the Grand Slam on home soil. No local hero has triumphed at the first major event of the year since 1978. Until Ash Barty took Australian sporting history into his own hands.
Looking at the results, it seems like a start-to-finish victory for the lady who stormed to her third Grand Slam title in Melbourne without losing a set. But in the final against Danielle Collins, she needed a great effort, especially in the second set, to come back from 1: 5 and bring the final success in the tie-break of the second set in dry cloths. However, it is not only the third major triumph for the Australian: Barty has already won the title in three of the four largest tournaments in women's tennis with the French Open, the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
Career grand slam far more difficult today
The current world number one is about to complete the Career Grand Slam very soon. An achievement that, according to Eurosport expert Chris Evert, is much more important in today's women's tennis than it used to be: "In our time, these tournaments could only win the top 4. Today I think that everyone from the Top 30 can do it. It would be admirable if a player could do it," said Evert when asked about the possibility of a Career Grand Slam.
For the 18-time major winner it is clear: If there is a player who can accomplish this feat in the near future, it is the newly crowned Australian Open winner: "If I had to bet on someone who is currently making it on the tour could, then without a doubt it would be Ashleigh Barty. She has the complete package on the pitch, a great defense and an even better offense," stressed the American. "With her win at Wimbledon, she showed that she can play excellent tennis on all surfaces, both fast and slow. That's why she will also be very good on the medium surfaces."