World No.1 Ash Barty has won the biggest prize money pay cheque in the history of tennis after defeating defending champion Elina Svitolina to win the WTA Finals title on her debut.
Barty, who won her maiden grand slam title in June at the French Open, withstood some fierce play from across the court to prevail 6-4,6-3, in Shenzhen. In what turned into a roller coaster encounter with a series of high quality tennis from both players, the Australian hit 30 winners, compared to just eight from Svitolina. Barty also claimed 65% of her service points and broke four times in the match.
“On this slow court I had to take a few chances.” Barty told BT Sport after. “I had to come in a little bit more and try to shift court position. So I was in control a little more often than not. Even if it did mean a few errors, but I’m certainly happy with the way it planned out tonight.”
Heading into the final WTA match of the 2019 season, Svitolina boasted a dominant head-to-head record against Barty. Winning all five of their previous meetings, including one that took place earlier this year in Indian Wells. However, since then Barty has blossomed on the tour through her triumph at Roland Garros and subsequent rise to world No.1.
Their latest clash in Shenzhen was a near perfect advertisement for women’s tennis with both player’s illustrating some of their best tennis. Moving effortlessly around the court as they carefully constructed their rallies. It wasn’t until 32 minutes into the match where the first break point opportunity occurred. Svitolina had the chance to break for a 5-4 lead, but failed to do so after hitting a forehand wide. The Ukranian’s failure proved decisive to the outcome of the opener. In the following game, it was Barty’s turn to pounce. Two set points came and went for the Australian. However, it was third time lucky for Barty after she punished a 123mph Svitolina serve with a clear return winner to snatch the 6-4 lead.
Despite her breakthrough, the match was by no means over. The second set turned into a cat and mouse chase with constant changes of momentum. First Barty dropped her serve to trail 1-2, before hitting back with interest by breaking Svitolina two times in a row. Continuing to nudge ahead, she moved to a game away from a famous victory. Tasked with serving for the title, Barty closed out proceedings in style. Doing so with a love service game that concluded with a forehand from her opponent crashing into the net.
“It’s been a remarkable year. Tonight (in Shenzhen) it was about coming out here and fighting right until the end.” Said the year-end No.1
“I couldn’t be more pleased with my team and myself. I’m just so pleased with all of us. We’ve had an incredible season.”
Barty is the third Australian player to win the singles title at the event and the first since Evonne Goolagong Cawley back in 1976. She has also won a record $4,420,000 in prize money. The biggest single payout from a tournament in the history of the sport. As of 21st October, only four women on the WTA Tour has earned that much this year.
The new champion closes out 2019 with four singles titles to her name after also previously triumphing in Miami and Birmingham. She is only the fifth player in history to win the WTA Finals on their debut. Following in the footsteps of Serena Williams (2001), Maria Sharapova (2004), Petra Kvitova (2011) and Dominic Cibulkova (2016).
There will be no time to rest for Barty, who will be returning back home to get ready for the upcoming Fed Cup finals. Australia is seeking to win the event for the first time since 1974 and will take on France.
“It is the most beautiful way to cap off a beautiful year. It’s nothing like playing for your country.” She said about the team event.
“When I do get to Perth in a couple days time I look forward to sitting down with the girls.”
Barty won four out of her five matches played at the WTA Finals this year. Her only loss was to Kiki Bertens.
