Ash Barty Just Became The Number One Tennis Player In The World – Here's How

    And she's only the second Aussie female IN HISTORY to claim the top spot.

    Isha Bassi
    by Isha Bassi

    Post Writer

    If you didn't already know, Ash Barty has overtaken Naomi Osaka to become the HIGHEST ranked player in women's tennis.

    Paul Ellis / AFP / Getty Images

    This comes after Ash, who was born and raised in Queensland, took out the win at the 2019 Birmingham Classic.

    Jordan Mansfield / Getty Images

    Why is this significant? Well, Ash is only the second Aussie female in history to claim the top spot.

    And in terms of overall rankings, it's been over 15 years since an Aussie tennis player – male or female – was ranked that high.

    Martin Bureau / AFP / Getty Images, Jimin Lai / AFP / Getty Images

    Old mate Lleyton Hewitt was the last Australian to secure the number one ranking in 2003.

    During her run to the top, Ash has also beaten the likes of Venus Williams, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova.

    Alex Goodlett / Getty Images, Clive Brunskill / Getty Images, Alex Pantling / Getty Images, David Gray / AFP / Getty Images

    If you're not a tennis fan, these are all top-ranked players FYI.

    And earlier this month, she not only won her first major Grand Slam title, but ended Australia's 40-year drought at the French Open.

    Clive Brunskill / Getty Images

    So the last time an Australian woman won the singles title at the French Open was in 1973. Can you BELIEVE it's been that long?!?!

    If you thought all her achievements were amazing, then here's more food for thought: Ash is only 23-years-old.

    Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

    Yep, you read that right. Ash is only 23 and has already reached the highest ranking you can possibly reach in tennis.

    Ash Barty @ashbar96

    #1

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    For a comparison, I'm 23 and still live at home with my parents. So yeah, I'm not even nearly close to achieving what Ash has.

    Tennis greats from around the world and local Aussie celebs congratulated Ash on her historic win.

    Billie Jean King @BillieJeanKing

    Congratulations to World No. 1, @ashbar96. With incredible versatility, perseverance, and focus, Ash Barty is an inspiration to the next generation of young players in Australia. Well done! https://t.co/Sa61roCYNF

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    Russell Crowe @russellcrowe

    Ash Barty. #1. Brilliant.

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    caseydellacqua @caseydellacqua

    When your back was up against the wall time & time again you found a way to turn it around & fight 💪 you have always known what is best for you & done it your way 🌟 you are truly an inspiration sweetie & no one is more deserving of that number 1 ranking than you 🇦🇺 #1 @ashbar96 https://t.co/Me27ithHfx

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    Magda Szubanski AO @MagdaSzubanski

    Congratulations!!! #ashbarty What a day for Australia, Aboriginal people, women, tennis and sport in general. So bloody happy for you 🙌 🎾 https://t.co/obvpom1A4n

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    Nicholas Kyrgios @NickKyrgios

    Congrats @ashbar96 nothing changed, you were dominating juniors and now winning slams.

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    Hats off to an Aussie legend like Ash, who is not only making every Australian proud, but inspiring women everywhere. 👏

    @chescaleigh / Via giphy.com