Ashleigh Barty stated that dreams don’t always come true, but he vowed to do everything in his power to win Wimbledon in 2021.
The world number 1 heads into the Grand Slam in London with a big question mark over her current form and health. He has not played another match since withdrawing from the second round of the French Open with a hip injury. As a consequence, he has not played any grass-court warm-up tournaments and he last played on grass-court tournaments in the 2019 season.
“My team and I have gone through a rehab process, done what we had to do, gave the best chance to be able to play here at Wimbledon,” Barty said of his recovery.
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“Now I feel fit, I’m ready to play, I’m excited to play. Getting the chance to play here again is definitely something that makes me happy and really motivates me to do everything I can with my team to make sure I stay fit and I’m here to play.”
“I have done the best I can and I can’t ask myself for anything other than the chance to play here.”
In previous seasons, the Australian has had mixed results in London with her best ever advancing to the fourth round on one of four attempts, although she won Wimbledon juniors in 2011 before advancing to the women’s doubles final the following two seasons with Casey Dellacqua.
After reigning champion Simona Halep withdrew from a Grand Slam in London, the world number 1 will be the woman to play main court for the first time next week, a tradition that should be followed by a player who won the previous season.
“I’m really happy and humbled to have this privilege and honor,” said Barty.
What is perhaps even more special for the world number 1 is that her presence at Wimbledon this season coincides with the 50th year after Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong’s Grand Slam victory. To mark the occasion, she will be wearing an outfit inspired by her idol, Goolagong, worn in the 1971 season.
“Evonne has led the way. He paved the way for all of us Australian tennis players, but as a family and for our heritage it is knowing that there is an opportunity to pursue your dreams and do what you love,” said Barty who has Aboriginal blood like Goolagong.
“He created a legacy that is second to none in Australia. I think I am very proud to be able to call him a friend and mentor and to be able to share his legacy. For me, being able to pay my respects on a truly special day is something I will never forget. I know not only myself, but my team, my family and Evonne and her family are really passionate about the outfit too.”
First seed Ashleigh Barty will start Wimbledon this season by facing Carla Suarez Navarro, who will be playing at the Grand Slam for the last time in her career.
