The AO Legends media call on Monday doubled as an Ash Barty love-in, with many former champions admiring the world No.1’s grace under pressure as she strives to be the first local champion in 42 years.
“She’s obviously one of the favourites, but she’s got a tough one now against Petra Kvitova, who I think is playing great tennis,” says former No.5 Daniela Hantuchova. “It might be one of those two that actually can go all the way.”
Barty takes on last year’s finalist in a reunion quarterfinal on Tuesday, having lost 6-1 6-4 last January to the pure shotmaker. Their 2019 trajectories then shifted, with the Australian winning their next three encounters and vaulting from No.15 to No.1 in a dream season. Kvitova is now the free-swinging underdog, seeded seventh.
Hantuchova, a semifinalist at AO2008 and playing Legends doubles here with Martina Navratilova, likes the way Barty has shouldered the febrile hopes of her nation, the top seed coming through a challenging three-setter against Alison Riske, her Wimbledon conqueror, on Australia Day.
“She’s done a good job,” said the graceful Slovak, a touch player like Barty in her day. “She tried to do all the media stuff at the start of the year and now just being able to focus on the tennis. She’s really hungry for this title and she’s doing all she can to go all the way. So far she’s done an amazing job.
“It’s tough to block it out,” Hantuchova acknowledges of the fervent home hype. “But at the same time it gives you so much energy and motivation as well. You know that everyone is watching you – it’s either helping you or it’s stopping you from playing your best.
“Luckily in Ash’s case, it’s been helping her to perform her best. It’s been great to follow her.”
A mixed doubles champion at all four majors, Hantuchova retired at Wimbledon 2017, her demise perhaps hastened by the power surge in the women’s game, with the likes of Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka and Kvitova herself ruling the majors. But the willowy, soft-handed Slovak is not surprised to see all-court stylist Barty atop the game.
“I played Ash when she was on the way back, in Eastbourne [2016, Barty’s return to the tour] and I thought she played ridiculous. I told her to just keep going with whatever she was doing. Also I practiced with her when she was 14, 15 and I couldn’t believe the touch she’s got.”
So not surprised. More like delighted.
“I think it’s the best thing that could happen to women’s tennis – to have someone like her on top, because she just proves that it’s not all about power,” Hantuchova adds.
“Also the fact that she’s so humble, she’s so normal. And you can still be the best in the world.”