Ash Barty Fights Back To Lift Third Title Of Season In Stuttgart On Birthday Weekend - UBITENNIS

Ash Barty Fights Back To Lift Third Title Of Season In Stuttgart On Birthday Weekend

The 25-year-old says she is ‘enjoying every minute’ on the Tour after lifting her latest trophy.

By Adam Addicott
3 Min Read
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Australia’s Ash Barty has underlined her world No.1 status by battling back from a set down to oust Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the Porsche Grand Prix in Stuttgart.

Barty, who turned 25 on Saturday, clinched 12 out of the last 15 games played in the match to seal a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, victory in what is her first title won on the clay since the 2019 French Open. Against Sabalenka, she produced a total of 26 winners and saved eight out of the 10 break points she faced. Barty also won 55 out of 85 points played behind her serve.

En route to the title Barty scored consecutive wins over three top 10 players. Prior to Sabalenka, she also defeated world No.5 Elina Svitolina and No.9 Karolina Pliskova by coming back from a set down. The series of triumphs gives Barty her 11th WTA title and the third this season. She has also won the Yarra Valley Classic in Melbourne and the Miami Open earlier this year.

“To my team both at home and Ty (Craig Tyzzer) who is here with me, it’s been an incredible week and start for us in what will be a long journey,” Barty said during the trophy ceremony. “I’m enjoying every minute and I’m very grateful to be doing what I love here in Stuttgart.”

Besides Barty’s joy, there were tears from Sabalenka who had to contend with an injury during the final. She was forced to take a medical time out during the end of the second set and was seen crying during one of the changeovers in the third. The Belarussian had her right thigh heavily strapped.

“Congratulations Aryna on a great week. I know it’s not the way you would like to finish but get healthy and get well (soon). You will be fit in no time and ready to go again,” Barty said to her opponent.

After missing 11 months of the Tour due to travel concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the former Grand Slam champion has now won 20 out of 23 matches played since returning in February. She will now overtake Naomi Osaka, who has won the two most recent major tournaments, in the Porsche Race to Singapore. Only the eight highest ranked players will be eligible to participate in the season-ending event.

Barty is the first player to claim the Stuttgart title whilst being ranked first in the WTA rankings since Justine Henin back in 2007.

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