Ash Barty urges teen tennis star to be ‘kind’ ahead of Australian Open
“It’s really exciting for me to see them have this opportunity and learn everything I learned a few years ago. It’s important to be patient and understand that good things take time.”
“For these young girls, it’s about experiencing and learning what it’s like to manage the whole schedule on tour, how to deal with the second weeks of the grand slams and all that. [that happen] along the way.”
Ash Barty delivered in Brisbane.
Barty continues to be influenced by Alex de Minaur; including his transformation from a player who was once a mere nuisance to the world’s best, to a player ranked in the top 10 and a six-time grand quarter-finalist.
The triple grand slam champion dodged questions about how de Minaur could break into the top five and go further at the grand slams, but was optimistic about the possibility of doing both.
“Hopefully he can take the next step because I think he’s talented. It happens right when it happens,” he said.
“‘The Devil’ works so hard, he has no ego at all. He goes out there and tries to master his craft as much as he can, and he’s been very successful at it.”
Alex de Minaur is in the top 10.Credit: Getty Images
“There’s a lot of things that happen to you [being a top player]But I think first and foremost, and probably most importantly, you have to be ready when that opportunity arises… and you have to be brave and courageous enough to take the next step.”
These days, Barty, now 29 and mother to son Hayden, 2½, and daughter Jordan, 6 months, rarely has time for even a social activity like tennis or golf.
He also insists he is not considering a time in the distant future when he might be involved with Australian tennis again.
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“[Being a mum] It was everything I’ve ever wanted. I have the best job in the world. I will be the mother of two healthy, happy children who grow and change every day, so I won’t change a thing,” Barty said.
“As an athlete, you have to be selfish sometimes to make sure you’re ready… whereas when I’m at home with the kids, it’s completely selfless. Everything I do revolves around them and I absolutely love that.”
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