Ash in hunt for big prize

Women’s race wide open and Barty in box seat

WITH seven different winners at the past seven majors, Ashleigh Barty believes anyone can win the US Open in New York. Herself included.

Australia’s top title hope is refusing to look beyond a firstround encounter tomorrow against Tunisian qualifier Ons Jabeur – a former French Open junior champ and one of Barty’s best friends on tour.

“Ons and I played doubles together way back when in the junior days,” Barty, 22, said. “I’ve never played her in singles but know she’s a very talented, crafty player.

‘‘She has absolutely no fear on the court and is willing to try whatever will work.

“She’s got a lot of variety and a very good drop shot that I’ll have to be looking out for.”

Barty’s superb form, before a head cold forced the world No.17 out of her last scheduled lead-up event in New Haven in Connecticut, suggests she should prevail in her opener.

Her only two defeats in eight matches on American hard courts have been to world No.1 Simona Halep.

“I feel great. I’ve had a really positive summer,’’ Barty (pictured) said. “It’s important for me to try to keep that going.

“Obviously I would love to go really deep and have a really good run but Grand Slams are always good for an upset.

“I’m just here to do what I can in this first round, focus on that and then we’ll worry about the rest of it when it comes.”

With Serena Williams yet to return to her dominant self, Barty knows opportunity knocks for any player in the world’s top 50, or even lower.

None of the top 10 made the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.

“Wimbledon just showed some of the depth that women’s tennis has,’’ Barty said. ‘‘So many seeds fell and it wasn’t from poor performances. It was from great performances from players who are 30 to 40 and 50 in the world and that’s the beauty of it now. There’s so much depth.

“The French Open was similar. There were a few girls that people weren’t expecting (who excelled) so it comes down to who can put it all together the best.”

The 18th seed is one of five Aussies in action on day one. Daria Gavrilova, the women’s 25th seed, will open against Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo, while James Duckworth, Jordan Thompson and wildcard Jason Kubler also play.