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Intent on tackling pressure head on, Ashleigh Barty is embracing the home-town hype as she strives to break one of the longest and most infamous droughts in Australian sport.
Refreshed after a beach and golf holiday in Queensland, Barty received a taste of what’s to come when everyone wanted a piece of the world No.1 at the Newcombe Medal awards on Monday night.
Far from shunning the spotlight, Barty welcomed the extra attention and promised to leave it all out there in her quest to become the first local Australian Open singles champion in 41 years next month.
“It’s going to be incredible. It’s going to be a summer like no other for me personally and for Tyzz (coach Craig Tyzzer) and my team,” Barty told AAP.
“It’s pretty amazing to be able to start the year in Australia and to now be in this position, and to start the year as world No.1 is going to be really special.
“Regardless of results and regardless of what happens in these tournaments in Australia, it’s more about me going out there and having a crack.
“I think that’s what all Aussies love.
“They love a fighter, they love someone who gives it a go and I can promise that’s what I’ll be doing regardless of whether it’s a first round or a final or anything in between.
“I’m going to be giving it my best every match.”
Not since Lleyton Hewitt in 2003 has Australia had a top seed at Melbourne Park.
“The best part of that is I know where I’m going to sit on the line in the draw. That’s all that matters,” Barty said.
“I know that my name will be drawn against someone else’s and all I can focus on is that first round.
“But it’s going to be a really important time over the next two months.”
The French Open champion hasn’t picked up a racquet since Australia’s heartbreaking Fed Cup final loss to France in mid-November.
Preferring to relax in a Hamilton Island pool bar and on the golf course with her boyfriend, the 23-year-old Barty said it was important to down tools and reflect on her stunning 2019.
“I can’t just keep going and going and going and expect to be ready and fresh and prepared for the summer if I don’t give myself time to rest and recover and celebrate the year we’ve had,” she said, as she savoured a third-straight Newcombe Medal.
“For me, it’s not about hitting balls.
“It’s about refreshing and we’re going to have plenty of December and the start of January as well to make sure I’m ready.”