Ash Barty reflects on 'beautiful' journey after Miami Open triumph

Tom Naghten

•
Ash Barty reflects on 'beautiful' journey after Miami Open triumph image

Ash Barty just claimed the biggest title of her career with a win over Karolina Pliskova in the Miami Open final but the young Aussie isn't getting carried away.

The 7-6(1) 6-3 win gave the Queenslander her fourth career title and confirmed her place among the top ten players in the women's game.

Barty started nervously against the fifth-seeded Czech, being broken early in the first set before later drawing level to force a tie-break.

A deft drop shot turned the tide in the breaker, with Barty clinically rounding out the set.

MORE: Barty proves to herself that she 'belongs' on tour following Miami breakthrough

The 22-year-old then made lighter work of the second set, earning a pair of breaks to claim the title at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Barty said she was pleased she was able to take the chances when they came.

"It was going to be a match of small opportunities and I was able to claw my way back into that first set and then take an opportunity when I got it in the tie-break," Barty said.

"It was important for me to try and get that first set and then I was able to get a bit of a roll on early in the second and keep the foot down."

Reflecting on the title, Barty said her journey to the title was "unique' but she wasn't motivated by watching her tour rivals succeed.

"It's an opportunity for me to continue to try and get better every day and enjoy the journey we're on," Barty told reporters after the match.

"It's been a beautiful two or three years since I've come back into the sport and I've certainly been able to grab my opportunities with both hands.

"I've had some heartbreaking losses but also some pretty amazing moments too."

While Barty may not have been singing her own praises too loudly, plenty in the tennis community were, including Australian icon and fellow Queenslander Rod Laver.



Victoria Azarenka, who partnered Barty to the semi finals in the doubles in Miami, also gave a shoutout to the Aussie.



Despite losing the final, Pliskova also took to social media to congratulate Barty.


There could be more joy to come for the Australian contingent in Florida, with Sam Stosur set to partner Zhang Shuai in the doubles final.

The pair will take on Aryna Sabalenka and Elise Mertens tomorrow morning Australia time.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.