Sam Groth takes a close look at the Wimbledon final between Ash Barty and Karolina Pliskova

For years, Ash Barty has been hailed as the “comeback kid”. The Wimbledon final is her chance to write a new chapter in her story, SAM GROTH writes.

Ashleigh Barty celebrates after her semi-final win. Picture: AFP Photo

Dare we say the stars are aligning for a new Aussie champion at Wimbledon?

There are so many remarkable parallels for Ash this year. It’s been a decade since she won the junior tournament and half a century since Evonne Goolagong Cawley first won the title.

Ash paid tribute to Cawley – whom she refers to as a “trailblazer” – with the dress she has worn at Wimbledon this year.

Ash is a proud indigenous woman and explained the reason behind her tribute to Cawley was to recognise someone that “truly embodies what it means to be a trailblazer, and her inspiring career has paved the way for young indigenous women.”

What Ash doesn’t acknowledge is that she is doing the exact same thing herself.

So many aspiring young athletes will see what she is doing and gain hope and belief they too can fulfil their dreams.

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The moment Ash Barty made the Wimbledon final. Picture: Getty Images

She’s not one of those ‘celebrity athletes’ going out flaunting her millions and acting flash.

She’s an incredible role model for our country. Humble and a true Aussie in every sense of the word.

Standing between Ash, a second grand slam title and a slice of history however, is tour ‘veteran’ Karolina Pliskova. Enormously experienced, ruthlessly powerful and not to be underestimated.

What will decide the match?

NULLIFY THE SERVE

Pliskova’s serve is one of the best on tour, second only perhaps to Serena Williams. She has hit more aces in this tournament than anyone and has been the annual WTA ace leader almost every year since turning professional.

Sabalenka struggled with it in the semi-finals, it’s a dynamite weapon so Ash must find a way to nullify it early on.

The chip return will be key for Ash, counter the power and draw her opponent in and low.

The Czech is also incredibly strong in the middle part of the court so if Ash can bring the variety she’s shown in week two, she definitely has the craft to overcome this part of her opponent’s game.

Ash Barty as a youngster. Picture: Instagram

Now, she is a win away from claiming a Wimbledon title. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP

DON’T BE PREDICTABLE

The second set against Angelique Kerber almost went very wrong for Ash. She became too settled with targeting the German’s backhand. Her game was too repetitive. She has to be creative and switch it up as much as possible to keep Pliskova on her toes or she will fall behind early on.

Ash also needs to focus on her first serve. Against a big server like Pliskova holding her own service game is key. If she can do this Ash will have time to be more creative in her attempts to counter what’s coming from the other side of the net.

The downside here for Ash is her second serve has been the weak point this tournament, she has surrendered far too many points. She can’t do that in a final. It’s not just the double faults that’s cause for concern but Ash being put on the defensive.

As a player your confidence takes a hit when your second serve lets you down, she needs to control that mentally.

Barty needs to keep Karolina Pliskova guessing. Picture: AFP Photo

EXPECTATION V HOPE

No doubt this is a defining moment for Ash, it’s huge and it’s her dream but she will know this isn’t her last opportunity to win Wimbledon.

I think we as Australians have all been wanting Ash to get the Wimbledon title, there’s something about this one that sits in greater esteem than any other.

Plisokva however carries the burden of having been a world No 1 without a grand slam title to her name. Rightly or wrongly, this hoodoo weighs heavily on a player’s mind. We saw it with Caroline Wozniacki and others before her. This may well be her last chance.

ASH FOR THE WIN

Ash needs to make Pliskova move. She needs to pull her all over the court relentlessly. Movement has always been a weakness for the Czech. Ash must cash in here. Get her moving and keep her low.

Variety is a word we often use when talking about Ash. When she has the freedom to be creative and combine sit with her forehand, she is one of the most dangerous players on the tour.

But she can be guilty of becoming too passive. She’s often caught out using the slice until her opponent breaks down. This won’t work against Pliskova.

Finally, there’s Ash’s first serve. Dynamite when at its best. If she can keep the consistency and forget about the pressure of the second, she will make life very tough for Pliskova.

This is Barty’s chance to change the narrative. Picture: Getty Images

CHANGE THE NARRATIVE

For years now, Ash has been hailed as the “comeback kid”. Yes she had the break from tennis, yes it did wonders for her and yes she comeback stronger than ever but this is a new chapter and has been for some time.

Ash is a champion in her own right. She was uncharacteristically emotional when she won the semi-final, you can see what this means to Ash. She knows this is where she’s meant to be.

The comeback story was amazing but this isn’t the narrative any more. This is her journey as No. 1 and – hopefully come Sunday morning – a double grand slam champion.

All of Australia is behind you Ash. Whatever happens we are proud.