"Barty expects herself to win Australian Open one day" says Sam Smith

Tennis broadcaster Sam Smith believes Ashleigh Barty to be a real threat to win the Australian Open explaining how she expects that of herself.

Ash Barty ticks most boxes to be considered the “on paper” favourite at Australian Open 2022. This is the view of former WTA pro and now tennis broadcaster Sam Smith, who believes Barty continues to improve her game, provides match-up problems for nearly all other top players and expertly manages the pressures of competing at her home major.

He said:

“She knows how much ability she has. It won't be a surprise for her if she wins. I don't think she was surprised she won Wimbledon. All the great players know how good they are, and that's not arrogance. They just know. They just keep doing the right things and they know it will come."

In his talk with ausopen.com Smith further said:

“She expects herself to win one day in Australia. I just think in her head, she knows it's there for her.”

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Smith thinks a unique approach to the game has helped Barty stay sharp even with the pandemic:

"She has such great timing and feel. And I think, more importantly, she doesn't stress about putting her racquets down. A lot of players really worry about: ‘Oh, I haven't competed for x amount of weeks or months.’ Mentally I don't think (Barty) has any problem with that. She doesn't seem to. She just completely trusts her ability."

He finished up with:

“She didn't play for most of 2020, and she was right on her game when she returned.”