Barty brilliant in Birmingham, Kenin crowned in Mallorca

Ash Barty won the Birmingham title without dropping a set – and her reward is a rise to world No.1.

A 6-3 7-5 victory over German Julia Goerges in the final extends the Roland Garros champion’s winning streak to 12 matches.

She becomes the second Australian woman to top the WTA singles rankings, following Evonne Goolagong Cawley who spent a fortnight as No.1 in 1976.

“It’s been a whirlwind three weeks for me. It’s been a whirlwind year for me but to follow in the footsteps of Evonne, even to be mentioned in the same sentence as her, is incredible,” Barty said.

“What she’s done for our sport for Australians all around the world, not just based in Australia, she’s put us on the map.

“What she’s done for Indigenous Australians as well, she’s just been remarkable.”

#1 pic.twitter.com/sxKwk2uUK0

— Ash Barty (@ashbar96) June 23, 2019

Barty is the 27th woman in 46 years to top the rankings – and the fourth-youngest in a decade.

“You always dream of it as a little kid for it but to become a reality, it’s just incredible. It really is,” Barty said.

“It’s not something that was even in my realm. This year we were aiming for top 10 and now to be where we are is really a testament to all the people around me.

“I have the most incredible team with me who have been with me these last three years and we started at scratch three years ago without a ranking and now, to be where we are, is not only for me but it’s a massive, massive achievement for them.”

Kenin crowned in Mallorca

American Sofia Kenin saved three match points on her way to beating third seed Belinda Bencic 6-7(2) 7-6(5) 6-4 in the Mallorca final.

Bencic had three championship points at 5-4 in the second set – but couldn’t convert, serving a double fault on one of them.

A nerveless Kenin recovered to win her second title of the season,  striking 48 winners in the two hour, 42 minute final.

GAME, SET, MATCH AND CHAMPIONSHIPS #MO2019

???????? @SofiaKenin | @WTA pic.twitter.com/Fdcmh92ncb

— MallorcaOpen (@MallorcaOpen) June 23, 2019

The 20-year-old Kenin rises to a career-high ranking of No.28.