Australia’s Ashleigh Barty has defeated Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-3, 7-5 to win the Birmingham Premier title. The win also secures the world no. 1 ranking when the rankings are updated on Monday, June 24.
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Barty becomes the 27th women to reach the top ranking and second Australian. She follows Evonne Goolagong Cawley who held the no. 1 ranking for two weeks back in 1976.
“It’s a dream come true to be the World No.1,” said Barty. “My team and I have put in so much work and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.
“It’s an honour to be in this position, which has been held by the legends of our sport who I respect and admire greatly.”
Barty also becomes the first women to claim three WTA singles titles in 2019 after winning in Miami and at the French Open. Her win streak also extends to 12.
“Ash and I have been together from day one of her tennis comeback and I have loved every minute of our partnership – the successful moments, the challenges and everything in between,” said Craig Tyzzer, coach of Ashleigh Barty.
“Over the last three years, Ash has grown as a person and as a player. What has stayed constant is her genuine, humble and respectful nature.
“She is a truly impressive person and deserves every success that comes her way. I couldn’t be prouder to be her coach.”
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Barty broke Goerges once in the first set to take the opening set.
Goerges broke early in the second set to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
Barty slowly worked her way back into the set, breaking back, but she then had to fight off a few break points against her serve.
The Australian got the key break in the 11th game before stepping up to serve out the match. She raced through the game to claim the title.
Barty hit 18 winners to 11 unforced errors, nine aces – including one on set point in the first set – and converted three of seven break point opportunities.
“Ash Barty is living proof that variety and finesse have a place in modern tennis, alongside power,” said WTA Legend Chris Evert, who was the first woman to hold World No.1 when the WTA instigated computer rankings in November 1975.
“As well as being an incredible player and consistent performer on the tour, she is a fantastic role model, respected by her WTA peers and fans around the world for her sportsmanship and humility. She is a champion in the best traditions, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her.”
Barty returned to tennis in 2016 after a break during which she played professional cricket. She was unranked. By December 2016 Barty was ranked at 272, a year later 17. December 2018 Barty was up to 15, and now she is no. 1.
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