Tennis star in dash to watch pal compete
FRESH from roaring into the world’s top 10 tennis players, Ash Barty has raced to the Gold Coast to catch up with fellow elite athlete Stephanie Gilmore.
The pals have a few things in common. Both star in sports boasting equal prize-money for men and women and share a mentor, Ben Crowe.
The trio were together at Snapper Rocks yesterday as the first day of the World Surf League pro tour kicked off.
Barty, 22, who days ago won her biggest title, the Miami Open, for a career-high rank of nine, told the Bulletin: “I have followed Steph in particular and what she has been able to do is amazing. She is an absolute superstar and an inspiration.
“I knew I’d be home and I couldn’t give up the opportunity to watch her surf. It’s a chance to learn from other athletes.’’
Barty and Gilmore may go to the Tokyo Olympics together next year with surfing admitted as a Games sport. Barty said it was “just phenomenal’’ what Gilmore had done for women’s sport in Australia.
“She might have to teach me (how to ride a surfboard) and show me what to do,’’ Barty said.
“If she does I will have to throw a racquet back at her.’’
Barty will celebrate her $1.9 million Miami win briefly before she is expected to be joined by Gold Coasters Sam Stosur and Kim Birrell plus Daria Gavrilova and Priscilla Hon in the Australian squad to take on Belarus in a Fed Cup semi-final in Brisbane this month.
“I have time to celebrate with my family and my team what we’ve been able to achieve,’’ Barty said. “It (making the top 10) is not an individual accolade – there are all the people who have put in the time with me and continue to push me to be the best I can be.’’
QUIKSILVER PRO, P34