‘Humbled’ Ashleigh Barty still learning her craft

Ashleigh Barty with the Australian Open winner’s trophy on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Ashleigh Barty says she feels humbled to have joined tennis royalty's most exclusive club with a Grand Slam crown on three different surfaces, but vowed: "There's still work to be done."

Barty, 25, achieved the feat by becoming the Australian Open's first home champion in 44 years when she came from 1-5 down in the second set of Saturday's final to beat Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6. It followed her breakthrough French Open success in 2019 and Wimbledon last year, putting her in elite company. The only other active players to snare majors on clay, grass and hard courts are legends of the sport - Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Barty and Williams are the only two to win their first three Slams on three surfaces.

"I feel very humble to be in such a select group. I don't feel like I belong with those champions. I'm still learning and trying to refine my craft and try and learn every single day and get better and better," Barty said.

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