Success of team driving Ash on
ASHLEIGH Barty is bearing down on a top-five ranking and French Open history but the Queenslander is determined to shun individual glory.
Into the third round at Roland Garros for the first time, Barty has risen two places to a provisional mark of world No.6 ahead of her clash with Andrea Petkovic tonight. A run to the fourth-round and beyond would assure Barty a new career-high ranking.
Regardless of what the numbers are post-tournament, Barty attributes her phenomenal growth over the past year to her team, led by coach Craig Tyzzer and sports psychologist Ben Crowe.
“My tennis has always been there,” Barty said after banishing Australian Open semi-finalist Danielle Collins 7-5 6-1.
“I just felt like in the last 12 months I have been able to have that consistency a bit more, across all levels, WTA Tour level and at grand slams.
“To be honest, (it’s) clarity within my options and my game, obviously working closely with ‘Crowey’, as well.
“Tyz’, ‘ Crowey’ and myself often have discussions as a team, as well as my trainers, physios, everyone is very much a unit in one team. I think that's the best thing – is that we are on the same page.
“There are days that things work better. There are days things work worse or don't work as well. At the end of the day, nothing is as good nor as bad as it seems.
“The sun will rise and you get another option and another chance to have another crack the next day.”
Barty, 23, is attempting to become Australia’s first women’s singles champion since Margaret Court in 1973.
The eighth seed has won 30 of 36 matches this season to continue her surge. Since posting a career-best third-round appearance at Wimbledon, she has done the same at the US (fourth round) and Australian Opens (quarters).
Barty is now in the throes of the best season of her career. The right-hander has piloted Australia into the Fed Cup final, lifted the biggest title of her career in Miami and notched a maiden major quarter-final appearance at Melbourne Park.