Ash Barty is backing Ajla Tomljanovic to rise to the event and problem for Australian Open glory because the revitalised star strives to seal an all-important grand slam seeding for the primary time.
Filling the nigh-on not possible boots of Barty following the three-time grand slam champion’s shock retirement in March, Tomljanovic has already exceeded expectations as Australian tennis’ new girls’s No.1.
The 29-year-old grew to become the primary Aussie feminine for the reason that legendary Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1979 to achieve Wimbledon and US Open quarter-finals in a single season, sensationally ended Serena Williams’ unrivalled profession in New York, and guided Australia to the 2022 Billie Jean King Cup ultimate.
Her storming kind leaves Tomljanovic in ballot place to be seeded within the high 32 for the Melbourne Park main beginning on January 16.
With the Tenth-ranked former No.1 Simona Halep not entered, Tomljanovic solely wants to keep up her career-high world No.33 rating past the season-opening United Cup from December 29 to January 8 to be seeded at her house slam.
Barty says an AO seeding could be nothing lower than Tomljanovic deserves.
“She’s had an exceptional year and deserves to be higher-ranked than she is at the moment,” the previous world No.1 advised AAP.
“But you can’t do anything about that situation. It is what it is and what’s held her in really good stead is that she’s accepted that and she’s getting better and better and better.
“A few massive quarter-finals in slams this yr, she performed some distinctive tennis and he or she’s somebody that Aussies may be very pleased with.”
In July, Tomljanovic claimed the opening set of a pulsating quarter-final against eventual Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina before also losing a high-quality US Open last-eight encounter to world No.2 Ons Jabeur.
Asked if the Croatian-born talent would soon be ready to challenge for grand slam spoils and maybe even follow Barty onto the Australian Open honour board, the retired superstar said, without hesitation, “she already is”.
“And that is the real feeling among the many gamers,” Barty stated.
“Certainly after I performed Ajla, I knew I needed to be at my absolute absolute best or she’d utterly roll me.
“And she’s got that respect from everyone. She’s earned that respect over a number of years in her turning up every single day.
“She’s been by some terrible accidents. She’s had hiccups and bumps alongside the best way all by her profession and now – fingers crossed, contact wooden – that is sort of settled a bit bit.
“It can always be taken away very quickly from you as an athlete but she’s had an incredible year, absolutely, and I sincerely hope that she has a big Australian summer so that everyone can celebrate with her.
“She’s doing a hell of a job.”
