World number one Ash Barty has won Australia’s top sporting prize just before ending her season at the WTA Finals and the Fed Cup final.
The Roland Garros champion beat eight other Australian athletes to ‘the Don’ award, which is Australia’s top sporting prize.
It is the first time a female tennis player has won the award and having won a grand slam title as well as being world number one, it is no surprise that Barty has made more history today.
Commissioned by the Australian tennis hall of fame in 1998, the award rewards athletes who show, “by their achievements and example over the last 12 months, are considered to have had the capacity to most inspire the nation.”
Having won the award Barty joins Australian sporting legends such as Cathy Freeman, Swimmer Ian Thorpe and US Open champion Pat Rafter.
After receiving the award, Barty said she couldn’t believe the year she’s had, “I can’t quite believe it to be honest,” Barty explained.
“When I look at my fellow nominees this year and people who have won ‘The Don’ Award before, I feel honoured to be a part of such an inspiring and talented group of Australians.
“I am so proud of my team and I for what we have achieved. We have worked hard, experienced some amazing highs and lows and enjoyed every bit of the journey.”
Next for Barty will be the WTA Finals, which starts on the 27th of January before ending the year with the Fed Cup Final as Australia take on France.
The 23 year-old admitted winning the Fed Cup title would end the perfect season, “The perfect way for me to finish 2019 would be with a win representing Australia in the Fed Cup, then I’ll be ready to celebrate.”
