Australia's greatest female tennis players, Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong Cawley, have joined in celebrating the rise of compatriot Ashleigh Barty to the No. 1 world ranking which they both held.
Barty became the first Australian woman in more than 40 years to take the top ranking by claiming her third title of 2019 on Sunday in Birmingham. Her mentor and idol Goolagong Cawley, who won seven grand slams, was the first in 1976. The WTA rankings were introduced in 1973.
"In 2019, with all the pieces in place, her rise has been almost unstoppable," Goolagong Cawley said in a statement on Monday. "Ash is a very worthy No. 1 and winning at the French will have given her even more confidence.
"I am so proud that another Aboriginal player sits on top of the rankings in women's tennis, particularly a young lady who conveys such happiness in all she does."
Court, who won 24 grand slams, said the challenge for Barty was to stay at No. 1.
"It was always easier climbing up the ladder than staying there," Court said. "That's a real champion — to stay at the top."
Compatriot Sam Stosur, who won the 2011 U.S. Open, said Barty's attitude will serve her well as she goes into Wimbledon next week as the top seed.
"She is playing fantastic and grass is a surface that she openly says she can't wait to get on every year," Stosur said. "I don't think she went to the French thinking she had a shot which is maybe why she went there and put no pressure on herself.
"She was just playing it and enjoying it and getting through the rounds and suddenly she's won a grand slam.
"Wimbledon will be a different scenario."
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said Barty could win another grand slam title this year if she avoids injury.
"The top women players aren't used to the type of game that she has," Tiley said. "That's what is putting her at a high level quickly - while the other players figure out how to play her I think they will continue to struggle."
The great Billie Jean King congratulated Barty on Twitter.
"With incredible versatility, perseverance, and focus, Ash Barty is an inspiration to the next generation of young players in Australia.
"Well done!" King tweeted.
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MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Blowing late leads has become a hallmark of Manchester United's season.
Erik ten Hag hopes that changes when Liverpool comes to Old Trafford on Sunday. United is still clinging to hopes of a Champions League spot, despite a stunning 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday night.
United first gave away the lead in the 10th minute of stoppage time at Stamford Bridge and then the game a minute later — both goals coming from Cole Palmer.
That followed a blown lead in a 1-1 draw at Brentford last Saturday. United had just recovered from celebrating Mason Mount's goal in the 96th when Kristoffer Ajer tied it three minutes later.
“We can beat the best teams in the Premier League,” Ten Hag said. “When you beat them in the Premier League, you can do it across Europe, but we need to learn how you win games ... how you bring games over the line and get the three points. We have to step up."
Dropping five points in the past two games is “very expensive,” he added.
“Games are running out. We know that and we have to catch up and we are now many points behind,” Ten Hag said. “It will be difficult. We will keep fighting.”
With eight games remaining, United is nine points behind fifth-place Tottenham and 11 points back of fourth-place Aston Villa. Because of a format change to the Champions League next season, the Premier League might get a fifth spot in Europe's elite club competition.
Blowing leads is not a new problem.
United exited the Champions League at the group stage — in last place. They gave away second-half leads in three of those games: a 3-2 home loss to Galatasaray; a 4-3 defeat at Copenhagen; and a 3-3 draw at Galatasaray.
The good news? United has actually closed out a big win recently — over Liverpool 4-3 after extra time in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal match. Marcus Rashford tied it at 3-3 before Amad Diallo's winner at Old Trafford.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pointed to uncharacteristic errors that they'll need to avoid this time.
“We were really good that day but didn’t finish the situations off in extra time,” Klopp said. “We made mistakes we didn’t make before at all. We better play a really good football game to be honest, if we want something there.”
First-place Liverpool holds a two-point lead over Arsenal heading into the weekend.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Manchester United's head coach Erik ten Hag gives instructions from the side line during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Manchester United players react after referee award a penalty to Chelsea during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
