Barty excited for Games debut in Tokyo
WINNING a Grand Slam is the ultimate goal for most players, but Ash Barty says there is no greater honour than representing your country, and the world No 1 sees the Olympics as the pinnacle of sport.
Barty, the 2019 French Open champion, cannot wait to pull on Australia’s green-and-gold when the Tokyo Games begin in July after the event was postponed by a year due to Covid-19.
Tennis is normally an individual sport, though women players also have the opportunity to represent their country at the annual Billie Jean King Cup.
“The green-and-gold for me is always the pinnacle,” Barty told Olympics.com.
“I’ve had a very small taste of it, but I think the Olympics is the pinnacle of every sport. It’s a remarkable place to be able to test yourself against the best in the world. All of the best athletes in the world come together in one place, which is quite special.
“And I think the experience will be spine-tingling.”
Barty was not even five when Cathy Freeman, wearing a green, white and gold bodysuit, won 400m gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but the indigenous track star made a lasting impression on her.
“I remember her outfit ... and, not really knowing a lot of what was happening being such a youngster,” said Barty, who is the first indigenous Australian since Evonne Goolagong Cawley to top the world rankings.
“And I think every time you see that outfit now in Australia, it’s iconic and everyone knows exactly the purpose of it. It’s a really, really special memory to be etched in my brain.”
Barty had an opportunity to talk to Freeman after exiting the semifinals at her home Grand Slam in Melbourne in 2020.
“She’s been an idol for me growing up,” Barty added. “She’s been an idol and an icon for so many young indigenous girls and boys all across Australia.
“To be able to connect with her and actually have a relationship with her personally has been amazing.”