'People are now going to go against her and be really loose and just go for it,' warns Australian great Todd Woodbridge.
There is something so endearingly familiar about Ashleigh Barty: the self-deprecating humour, the humility and warmth that has charmed the tennis world; the relatability of someone who remains so grounded while making millions at the top of her sport.
Already, the draw has been sobering. Barty begins her tournament against world No.43 Saisai Zheng and sits in a portion of the tournament that includes two-time grand slam champions Svetlana Kuznetsova and Garbine Muguruza . Serena Williams and triple major champion Angelique Kerber loom as potential quarter-final opponents.
"I know that’s what she will do ... her and her coach Craig Tyzzer would do the same regardless of whether she is No.1 in the world or No.350. "If she can do that and then start to get on top of the rally, three or four hits, then she’s fine. That’s her biggest thing. She has to be good at absorbing the power and pace of whoever she comes up against.
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