Top
Ashleigh Barty Australian Open 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

‘I’m so grateful to be doing what I love,’ Ashleigh Barty triumphs in Stuttgart


World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty has made a title-winning start to her European clay season, winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart. 

Ashleigh Barty secured her second ever clay title and third title of 2021 so far by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 6-0, 6-3.

“Of course to my team, both at home and Tyzz (her coach, Craig Tyzzer) here with me it’s been an incredible week and an incredible start [to the year/the European clay season] for us on what will be a long journey and I’m enjoying every minute.”

Barty required three sets to win each of her last three matches, defeating eighth Karolina Pliskova and fourth seed Elina Svitolina before facing Sabalenka, the fifth seed at the tournament, in the final

“I’m very grateful to be doing what I love here in Stuttgart,” Barty added to finish her trophy reception speech.

 

While Stuttgart is unique on the tennis calendar as currently the only professional tournament played on indoor clay, it will no doubt give Barty confidence in the lead-up to this year’s Roland Garros. Barty won the 2019 French Open for her only other career title on clay.

The Australian defeated Czech player Market Vondrousova 6-1, 6-3 in that final to lift he first Grand Slam title, before becoming world No. 1 for the first time just weeks later.


By
0