Australian Open 2022: World No.1 Ash Barty wants to be ‘complete’ player

Australian champion Ash Barty’s challengers are mounting, but she is hellbent on making their effort fruitless by becoming the most complete player in tennis.

World No.1 Ash Barty is starting her Australian tennis summer at the Adelaide International. Picture: Getty Images

World No.1 Ash Barty is working feverishly to plug any remaining holes in her game as she bids to win her first Australian Open title this month.

Barty will kickstart her season at this week’s WTA 500 Adelaide International, where top-10 stars Aryna Sabalenka, Maria Sakkari, Paula Badosa and Iga Swiatek are among her rivals.

The 25-year-old ticked off her greatest goal when she claimed the Wimbledon championship last year – her second grand slam victory – and is now eyeing the Melbourne Park trophy.

Doing so means seeing off the likes of dual Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, Sabalenka and a host of emerging talent who burst onto the scene last year.

“There are fresh challengers every year regardless of who is what spot on the ranking list,” Barty said.

“There were certainly a number of breakout players through 2021 – girls really stepped up and were able to play really consistent seasons, which is exciting to see for the women’s game.

Ash Barty is starting her road to the Australian Open at the Adelaide International. Picture: Getty Images

“You have obviously seen those girls who have been at the top for a very long time. Some had a rough run with injury, others had pretty solid years. It feels like it’s just good competition.

“Genuinely, there is really good depth and you have to bring your best time and time again to be able to compete with everyone and give yourself a chance to win the big titles.”

Garbine Muguruza and Simona Halep have made it clear in the past 24 hours they respect but don’t fear Barty, insisting no player is dominating like Serena Williams did in her heyday.

That’s why Barty is intent on becoming “a complete player” and continuing to challenge herself to maximise her time at the top of the women’s game.

“I want to try and make sure there are no holes in my game,” she said.

Barty is working hard to become ‘a complete player’. Picture: Getty Images

“We just continue to do the work each and every year, like a lot of the girls do. Obviously, the more you play someone, the more you understand how they play.

“But they also get the same sense with you. A lot of the time it’s about match-ups. For me, I’m just trying to be the most complete player I can be and bring the best out of myself.”

Barty said she would have to be “patient” as she returned to matches after the off-season but felt ready to make a major assault on the Australian Open.

“I think you just need to enjoy that and work your way through it in the first couple of weeks because not often are you playing your very best tennis right at the start,” she said.

“You have to work your way in, earn that right.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge starting here in Adelaide of trying to find my groove and really enjoy being out on the match court again.”