2011 Wimbledon Junior Champion and 2011 Newcombe Medal, Tennis Australia Awards Junior Athlete of the Year, Ashleigh Barty, has claimed her first Pro Tour title in Sydney yesterday.
Barty, at 15 years of age, worked her way through qualifying to make it to the final of the Nature’s Way Sydney International. Her road to to the main draw was tough, meeting a number of experienced older opponents including 29 year old and No. 8 seed, Aiko Nakamura of Japan, in the Quarters.
Ashleigh’s serve dominated the first set with Nakamura finding it difficult to read the direction of her serve. However after Barty took the first set convincingly 6-3, Nakamura clawed her way back into the match and took the second set 6-4. The third set was a battle of experience vs. student with Nakamura up 4-3, Barty dug deep and won the set and match 6-4.
From that match Ashleigh’s confidence rose and she dismissed Sandra Zaniewska in the Semi Final 6-1 6-2 to meet close friend and No 2 seed Olivia Rogowska in the Final. Barty flew through the first set up 5-0, Rogowska climbed back and took two games off her opponent but was unable to consistently apply pressure. The final score was 6-1 6-3.
An elated Barty explained, “The match was tight and the result didn’t give a real indication of the closeness of the game”.
“It was great to see that two up and coming Australian players made it to the final. It was a great week of tennis and we hope to see all of the players next year” said Tournament Director Lara Giltinan.
Ashleigh has now set her sights on the the Mildura Grand International, where she has made the women’s main draw. Her first match will be against the No 1 seed Chanel Simmonds, we wish her the best of luck.
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