Tennis

Can Ash Barty Finally Win Her Home Slam in 2022?

Ash Barty is the current WTA world number one. She is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on tour. And of course, being an Aussie, tennis fans Down Under are hoping that this year is her time. She hasn’t gone beyond the quarter-finals at her home slam before, achieving this in both 2019 and 2021. Then again, she hasn’t displayed such dominance in the game before now. Barty has enjoyed a flawless start to the 2022 season too, as she is currently unbeaten.

Ash Barty

She won the warm-up event in Adelaide, and at the time of writing, she has yet to lose a set at the 2022 Aussie Open. Barty is now into the 4th round without encountering too many problems. And this has made many start to wonder – is this year the time that Barty will claim her very first Australian Open title?

Let’s find out.

Australian Open 2022 – Ash Barty’s Time

Personally, I believe that she has a fantastic chance to win the event this year. Sure, there are other strong contenders, but I just have a feeling that 2022 is her time. With that said, there are some specific reasons as to why I hold this belief.

Crowd Support

It goes without saying that the Aussies generally get great support when they play at the Australian Open. This has been displayed in major fashion in the men’s event, with players like Kyrgios being a prime example. But this is also true in the women’s event, with Ash Barty receiving major support when she plays on the Rod Laver Arena. Since she is also the world number one, playing awesome tennis, the crowd will continue to drive her forward and provide her with the motivation she needs to win the event.

Current Form

Of course, you don’t get to become the number one player in the world without playing great tennis. This is true for a longer time frame, but for a shorter time frame, form plays a more intricate part in whether someone could win an event. With Ash Barty, from what I’ve seen in 2022, she is playing some of her best tennis ever. As previously mentioned, she hasn’t yet lost in 2022. In fact, she has only lost one set, which came to Coco Gauff in Adelaide. This alone is seriously impressive.

But I’ve also watched her first three matches at this year’s event, and she has been absolutely sublime.

Her Approach to the Tournament

They say that tennis is one of the most mental sports on the planet. For someone to win an event and beat all of the top players in the world, they must believe they can do so, first and foremost. But beyond belief, they need to also be relaxed, confident, and take things one match at a time. Based on Barty’s interviews, both on the court and off the court, she seems to be in a great mental space. 

Again, this is a pivotal factor that could carry her over the finish line this year.


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