Ash Barty,

Tennis champion

When Ash Barty beat the Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova in three sets to take the Wimbledon single’s crown in July, she created tennis history and inspired a nation as the first Australian woman to achieve the feat in more than four decades. A few months on, Barty is still processing her victory. “The whole thing still feels surreal. Winning Wimbledon was my dream and I can’t really believe that I have done it,” the 25-year-old says. The achievement was all the more meaningful given it marked the 50th anniversary of her mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley winning her maiden title at the iconic tennis club; Barty wore a bespoke scalloped tennis dress from Fila that paid homage to her hero. “The stars aligned,” she continues. “Like Evonne, I hope I can help inspire kids to pick up a tennis racquet and have the confidence to chase their dreams … I received some beautiful letters and drawings from kids all around Australia. The support from the whole country has been amazing. I feel very grateful.” Barty recently returned to Australia for the first time since March and is relishing some downtime back home in Queensland doing the simple things she loves most. “Like going for a morning walk with the dogs, picking my niece Lucy up from school, having a family barbecue and just being in my own house.” But equally the tennis champ has her sights set on a future goal: “The Australian Open is next for me. I would love to win a Grand Slam on home soil.”

Hope for 2022: “For my loved ones to be happy and healthy. I would like to see travel around Australia and the world become easier so everyone can be with their family and friends.” JM ■