‘Nothing changes’ claims new world No.1 Ash Barty

Praise is pouring in from politicians, sports stars, celebrities and the Australian public, but new world No.1 Ash Barty doesn’t plan to change.

Barty and her small but tight team, led by coach Craig Tyzzer, headed for Eastbourne after winning the Birmingham Classic on Sunday, following a couple of celebratory beers, to continue her Wimbledon preparations.

The 23-year-old secured the world No.1 ranking with a 6-3 7-5 win over German Julia Goerges in the Birmingham final, winning her sixth career title and extending her winning streak to 12 matches.

Barty becomes the first Aussie to hold the No.1 ranking since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003 and the second woman, following in the footsteps of her idol Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976.

Congratulations to World
No. 1, @ashbar96. With incredible versatility, perseverance, and focus, Ash Barty is an inspiration to the next generation of young players in Australia. Well done! https://t.co/Sa61roCYNF

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 23, 2019

But for the down to earth Ipswich native, it’s business as usual.

“It’s an amazing place to be in (No.1) but certainly nothing changes,” Barty said.

“I have support and love coming from all over the world.

“It’s been incredible the amount of support that I have received, particularly from Australians.

“But it’s not something that I ignore, not by any means. It’s there, there is not really much I can do about it.

“I’m trying to go out there and do my thing on the court and kind of let that do the talking.”

This week Barty goes back to where she began her stunning career revival three years ago.

It was at Eastbourne, a sleepy seaside town on the English south coast, that Barty returned from her 18-month sabbatical and made a remarkable run to the semifinals as a qualifier.

The ranking rise of Ash Barty after restarting her career.

May 2016 – unranked
Dec 2016 – 272
Dec 2017 – 17
Dec 2018 – 15

June 24, 2019 – No.1

A stunning rise to the top in just 3 years.

Well done @ashbar96 @CTyzzer and your entire team ????????????????????

— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) June 23, 2019

Fast forward three years, the 23-year-old has a first round bye and is the No.1 seed in stellar field.

“It was my first singles tournament … and I played in qualies through there, so Eastbourne has a very special place in my heart,” said Barty.

“We had a very vague plan to try and get back in obviously to the rhythm of it and to playing again.

“But certainly not for it to happen this quickly. It is always a goal to try and be the best.

“It’s ultimately why we train, why we compete and play, but for it to happen in this way has been amazing.

“It’s a testament to all of my team who have put so much time and invested so much passion and energy into my career and try and make me the best that I can be.”