Ashleigh Barty: Being world number one hasn’t changed me, despite Wimbledon defeat

Ashleigh Barty says that maintaining her world number one ranking is not her focus after she was knocked out of Wimbledon.
The Australian, who won the French Open last month, was defeated by Alison Riske on Monday on Court Two, ending her hopes of winning successive Slams.
However, speaking to the BBC, she insisted her priorities are bigger than the world rankings.
“Being number one in the world hasn’t changed the way I go about my business nor how my team and I have approached games,” she said
“We will continue to keep playing the same way regardless of the ranking.
“If I can inspire one person around the globe, that would be incredible. But it’s not my focus.
“My family have brought me up to know what is right and I can only try to be the best person that I can be.”
A first ever Grand Slam quarter-final awaits…
Alison Riske recovers from a set down for the third time this tournament – the latest coming against world No.1 Ash Barty #Wimbledon | @Riske4rewards pic.twitter.com/oLMTtqpTgF
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2019
Barty was hoping to add a Wimbledon crown to her growing collection of titles, and was well-fancied given her quality on grass and supreme recent form.
It wasn’t to be, but she is viewing it philosophically.
“It’s bittersweet at the moment but it’s been an incredible couple of months for me and my team” she said.
“Reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon is nothing to be sad about. I’ll go and see my team when the dust has settled but it’ll all be positive for us.
“You can’t change what’s happened, there were a few opportunities but we’ll definitely be celebrating what we’ve achieved.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
-
-
EXCLUSIVE: Annabel Croft speaks to Tennis365 about John McEnroe’s prediction for Coco Gauff
-
Comment: Crestfallen Alexander Zverev is broken and he needs to find a quick fix
-
John Nicholson: How John McEnroe and two guys from Teesside helped transform Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon 2019: Meet the mixed-doubles dream teams, including Andy Murray and Serena Williams
-
Meet the brothers who struck a business deal with Andy Murray through their Castore brand
-
Latest
-
News
Andy Murray out of Open Sud de France after losing to Egor Gerasimov
Britain’s two-time Wimbledon champion, still working his way back to form after undergoing hip surgery two years ago, went down 7-6 (8) 6-1.
-
Australian Open
Boris Becker ‘impressed’ by Nick Kyrgios, insists Australian has talent to ‘win Wimbledon at least once’
Boris Becker doffs his hat to Nick Kyrgios.
-
News
Fit-again Johanna Konta falls at the first hurdle in Adelaide as she loses against Shelby Rogers
The British No 1 has recovered from an abdominal injury.
-
WTA Tour
Ashleigh Barty insists there is ‘extra pressure’ over world No 1 ranking battle with Naomi Osaka
“Extra pressure is non-existent for me,” says Barty.
-
ATP Tour
Jamie Murray explains why Novak Djokovic’s NBA-style bubble idea would be difficult to pull off in tennis
“That’s obviously very difficult,” says Jamie Murray.
-
Grand Slam
Boris Becker hails Novak Djokovic’s ‘tactical masterclass’ and explains how Serb outwitted Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic “messed up” Daniil Medvedev’s rhythm.
-
Wimbledon
Spectators set to return for Wimbledon 2021 as Tim Henman outlines plans
Spectators look set to be in attendance at Wimbledon.
-
News
Andy Murray reveals he could not bring himself to watch the Australian Open
Murray set for first ATP Tour event of 2021.
-
News
Novak Djokovic to prioritise Grand Slams as he closes in on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
The Serbian is two major titles behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic to ‘take some time off to heal’ as he reveals abdominal ‘damage is bigger’
Novak Djokovic confirms injury worsened.