Ashleigh Barty is in the running for a sixth consecutive Newcombe Medal after winning this year's Australian Open, and she reflected on what she achieved at her home Grand Slam.
Barty retired from professional tennis in March at the age of just 25. She was also the WTA world No. 1 at the time, making her decision a massive surprise to fans, analysts, and fellow players.
The three-time Grand Slam champion recently discussed how her motivation dropped after winning the 2021 Wimbledon Championships. That was Barty's childhood dream, and she found it challenging to compete at 100% afterward.
However, that did not stop Barty from winning the 2022 Australian Open without dropping a set. She dominated each opponent on her home soil to mark a historic moment for Australian tennis.
Barty has won every Newcombe Medal since 2017. She is probably the favorite to do so again, but Nick Kyrgios, one of the other nominees, might run her close after he won the Australian Open men's doubles and reached the Wimbledon men's singles final.
Although obtaining the Wimbledon title was Barty's childhood dream, what she achieved at the Australian Open was also a special moment. The 26-year-old reflected on it and expressed her happiness about being nominated for the Newcombe Medal once again.
"It's an honor to be nominated for the Newcombe Medal this year. Winning the Australian Open in January is something I’m very proud of and ended up being an incredible way to finish my tennis career."
"Being able to win in front of my family, friends and the Aussie fans is something I will never forget. I’m so grateful for the support I have received throughout my career and hope I can now contribute to the Australian tennis community in other ways."
Barty is missed on the WTA Tour. Serena Williams's bidding farewell to tennis this year means tennis lost two significant figures.
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