“Shouldn’t Belong With That Group”: Ashleigh Barty on Matching Venus, Serena Williams, Steffi Graf and Others

World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty recently got a walkover against the in-form Bianca Andreescu in the finals of the Miami Open 2021. With this win, she successfully defended her title and secured her No. 1 position as well. The Australian was leading 6-4, 4-0 when Bianca decided to retire.

Ashleigh Barty has also become the fifth WTA player to defend her title in Maimi. Before her, only legends like Serena Williams, Steffi Graf, Venus Williams, and Sanchez Vicario were able to accomplish the feat. In a recent interview, Barty admitted that even though it was a great moment for her, she said that she doesn’t belong to that elite list of players as of now.

“I feel like I shouldn’t belong with that group. I feel like I haven’t earned the right to be in a list of names with those champions,” said Barty.

However, she mentioned that she feels privileged to be a part of such a list as all the players on it are genuine champions of the sport. “I feel very privileged to be mentioned in that sentence, and it’s very cool and something I was unaware of,” added the World No. 1 player.

“A long, long way to go yet”- Ashleigh Barty

Barty accepted that it was really humbling that her name was also there on the list now. However, she emphasized that it’s just the start of her career and she has to cover a long journey after this.

“I think it’s extremely humbling to be mentioned in the same sentence as those champions. But I feel like I’ve got a long, long way to go yet before I can be in discussion with those names,” concluded the Australian.

After conquering Miami, Ashleigh Barty will surely be looking forward to the upcoming clay-court season. With her current form, she should begin as one of the favorite players at the approaching tennis events on clay. Will Barty be able to repeat her 2019 campaign and win the French Open title again this year?

Also Read: “Deserve My Spot” – Ashleigh Barty Defends Her Number 1 Ranking After Winning Miami Open 2021