Early exit, but future still bright for Barty

ASHLEIGH Barty’s grasscourt singles campaign closed earlier than she wished, but the Queenslander is optimistic the foundation stones have been laid for future glory.

Touted by several astute judges as a future Wimbledon champion, Barty is in the throes of her first full season back since returning from a foray into cricket.

Eliminated 7-5, 7-6 (10-8) from the All England Club by world No.5 Elina Svitolina, Barty said maturity and a better understanding of life on the circuit were now strengths.

“I think I’m just more mature,” she said.

“Obviously it’s a very different lifestyle to what people think. I think I’m learning to enjoy the lifestyle and embrace the lifestyle a little bit more.

“When you’re travelling week in and week out and you’re on an aeroplane every week in a different country most weeks, I think I have learnt to deal with that better.

“I was sort of on tour for a couple of years and I just learnt from that.”

A rare talent, Barty has been regularly compared with Martina Hingis and it took all of Svitolina’s class to survive the Australian, who won junior Wimbledon as a 15-year-old.

Barty, 21, has reached a career-high ranking of No.54 after a fruitful grasscourt season, which featured wins over Wimbledon finalist Garbine Muguruza, Barbora Strycova and Camilla Giorgi.

“I think from when I started playing tennis again, sort of in February last year, I felt great instantly,” she said.

“Last year was tough with a few injuries, but we got off to a great start in January this year.”

Barty will return to Australia for a short break after completing doubles with Casey Dellacqua.

She will resume on the US hardcourt swing.