Australia’s latest champion always possessed winning attributes

As fans wake up weary eyed from cheering on our latest Wimbledon champion, everyone in Ipswich can be so proud of what Ash has achieved.

Ipswich sportswoman Ash Barty proudly holds the Wimbledon trophy after her stunning success in London. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

OPINION

WHEN you are the world number one, you know how to conquer any challenge.

Just watch Ipswich-bred tennis ace Ash Barty to see how it’s done.

As fans wake up weary eyed from cheering on our latest Wimbledon champion, everyone in Ipswich can be so proud of what Ash has achieved.

The 2019 French Open victor and 2011 Junior Wimbledon titleholder added one of the world’s most sought after successes to her incredible collection by beating Czech opponent Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 on the hallowed grass centre court in London.

In many ways, Ash is like other world-class Ipswich achievers including cricketer Shane Watson, rugby league player Allan Langer, hockey pacesetter Barry Dancer, swimmer Leah Neale and baseballer Peter Vogler.

She possesses those famous Ipswich-instilled attributes like tenacity, commitment, never giving up and competing without fear.

Growing up in Ipswich, Ash developed multiple qualities like calm and composure, skill and style, focus and fortitude.

As she displayed in the third set of her Wimbledon final, she can click up a notch in concentration when the pressure is on.

Even as a teenager playing against and beating women on Ipswich’s clay courts at Leichhardt, Ash was destined to be the best.

No sooner had she modestly celebrated winning a title and she was off to do extra training.

A delighted Ash Barty celebrates winning her first Wimbledon singles title in London. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Having a formidable support network of family led by parents Robert and Josie, Ash was single-mindedly focused on success.

Even when she detoured for a stint of cricket with the Brisbane Heat, Ash was always going to return to her number one sport.

As Ash showcases her remarkable talent and temperament, you rarely hear her criticise anyone or slip into unsavoury acts of bad temper during matches.

It’s wonderful to have an elite sportsperson from Ipswich so popular around the world for the way she plays and conducts herself on and off the court.

Australia’s latest Wimbledon champion Ash Barty. Picture: AELTC/Joe Toth - Pool/Getty Images

However, her historic victory means so much more.

Proud of her Indigenous heritage, she fittingly honoured her mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley who shared a mutual respect with the latest Aussie winner.

What a fabulous piece of history to have Ash win at Wimbledon 41 years after Goolagong Cawley also represented Australia so gallantly.

As Australia savours Ash’s latest accomplishment, let’s remember with pride where she came from and still calls home.

Her deeds should be shared by everyone in Ipswich who have watched her play with professionalism and incredible grace.

That is how a world number one should be.