30 May 2011 | Tennis Queensland

Queensland’s rising star Ashleigh Barty (Springwood, Qld) has enjoyed the perfect preparation for her maiden French Open Junior Championships by claiming the girls’ singles title at the 47th Astrid Bowl Charleroi, Belgian International Junior Championships.

The 15 year-old defeated two seeded players and conceded only one set en route to the final before upsetting No.13 seed Victoria Duval (USA) in straight sets, 6-2 6-2.

Barty also paired with Sabina Sharipova (UZB) to claim the girls’ doubles title.

Currently ranked No.54 in ITF Junior rankings, Barty is set to face No.12 seed Ganna Poznikhirenko (UKR) in her first round match at the French Open Junior Championships today.

Barty is the second Australian junior in as many years to enjoy success in Belgium, with Jason Kubler (Qld) claiming the boys’ singles title at the 46th Astrid Bowl Charleroi in 2010.

The win in Belgium gave Barty her second ITF Grade 1 title after also claiming the 17th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup in Malaysia earlier this year. The young Queenslander was also impressive on the Australian Pro Tour this year, with quarterfinals appearances at events in Mildura and Sydney. 

Barty is a member of the AIS Pro Tour Tennis program, a targeted training program to support the transition of junior players into senior ranks. Athletes are given world class coaching, physical and medical support as they travel the world on the tennis tour.