Barty US-bound ahead of Open tilt

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty will head to Canada next week as she begins her preparations for the US Open.

Barty has been relaxing in Brisbane for the past week as she comes to terms with her maiden grand slam victory at the French Open and her rise to the top of the world rankings before Wimbledon.

The 23-year-old will spend another week at home before flying to begin the North American hard-court season in the Rogers Cup.

The Toronto event features a strong field including Wimbledon champion Simona Halep and Serena Williams.

After confirming her entry for next year’s Brisbane International on Thursday, Barty said her rise to world No.1 hadn’t taken away any of her competitive drive heading into the final grand slam of the year.

“I still have so many goals and so many aspirations that I want to try and achieve,” Barty said.

“I’m more driven and hungry than ever to try and get better.

“There are still so many players out there that I want to beat. I want to try and win every single tennis match the best that I can, do the best that I can every match and that’s all that I can ask of myself.

“Regardless of what number is next to my name, that passion and that attitude won’t change.”

After a whirlwind European swing, Barty said the simple pleasures of home such as hanging out for coffee at her sister’s house or catching a movie had been vital to recharging her batteries.

“The way that I live my life hasn’t changed at all,” Barty said.

“I’m still the exact same person I just have a different number next to my name.

“Now I can’t wait to get back out there and get stuck in to the American summer.”

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