Barty, Nadal sitting on top of the world
Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal were named International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) World Champions for 2019 on Thursday, rewarding them for stellar seasons in which they finished at the top of women’s and men’s rankings respectively.
Barty, who quit tennis to play cricket in 2014 before returning to the game in 2016, became the first Australian to win the French Open since Margaret Court in 1973 when she beat Czech Marketa Vondrousova in June.
The 23-year-old became the first Australian woman to reach the WTA world No. 1 ranking since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976.
Barty also lifted the season-ending WTA Finals trophy and led Australia to their first Fed Cup final since 1993.
“I’m honoured to be named this year’s ITF World Champion,” she said in a statement. “I’m so proud of my team and for what we have achieved and can’t wait for the 2020 season to begin.”
Nadal claimed the season-ending ITF world title for the fourth time after winning a historic 12th French Open and a fourth U.S. Open, as well as helping Spain to their sixth Davis Cup title.
On Thursday, the Spaniard was also voted by fellow players as the winner of the ATP’S Stefan Edberg sportsmanship award for a second straight year and third time overall.
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray, who underwent hip surgery in January, was named ATP’S comeback player of the year after successfully returning to win the European Open title in October.
I’m so proud of my team and I for what we have achieved and can’t wait for the 2020 season to begin.