Barty party could end with major title glory

EVONNE Goolagong Cawley staunchly believes Newcombe Medallist Ash Barty can win a Grand Slam singles title.

But it is also Barty’s potential to lead Australians to playing because of her stylish game, allied to her feel-good comeback story, which resonates personally with the 66year-old Goolagong Cawley.

“When I watch Ash play now, it makes me want to play again,’’ said Australia’s dual Wimbledon champion.

“She has all the skills of becoming a real champion. She has the hands and she has the power too, as well as a volley and a big serve.

“I watch her and I think, ‘Wow that must feel good’.’’

Seventime Grand Slam title winner John Newcombe said after presenting

Barty (pictured), ranked No. 17, with Tennis Australia’s annual best player award on Monday that she can become a top-10 player next year and a future Grand Slam singles title winner.

Goolagong Cawley agrees and says a contentment with tennis, so markedly different than when Barty was so unhappy with the tennis tour that she took a 16-month break, has been a clear key to her success in 2017.

“The way she is going now, it (a Grand Slam title) is possible one day – it seems like a lot of the other players are nervous about playing Ash these days,’’ Goolagong Cawley said.

“That’s a good sign. She looks so professional, so calm and settles her mind after each shot.

“Just seeing her play recently on television, when she came back from playing cricket, she’s has come a long way.

“I’ve noticed on court she’s really happy to be back in the sport.’’

This year the 21-year-old Queenslander posted wins over three women who held the No. 1 ranking in 2017.