Ashleigh Barty crowned ITF 2021 world champion

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty has been honored with the 2021 world champion of women's tennis accolade by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), as the Australian continues to celebrate a stellar 2021 season.

The ITF announced on Thursday that Barty would be bestowed with the year-end honor, as the 25-year old reclaimed the title that she last won in 2019. Barty had a superb year, winning a tour-leading fives singles trophies that included a run to the Wimbledon title.

Barty, who had already been named the Women's Tennis Association's player of the year, joins an illustrious list of multiple winners of the ITF women's world championship award that has been running since 1978.

Steffi Graf has won it a record seven times, Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams (six), Chris Evert, Martina Hingis and Justine Henin (three) and Monica Seles (two).

"Being the ITF World Champion in 2021 is something I am very proud of," Barty said. "I feel fortunate to play the sport I love for a living, especially in a year that was challenging and unpredictable for so many.

"I want to thank my team and my family for everything they do and a huge thank you to tennis fans around the world for continuing to support us."

The ITF honor won't be the last award she picks up, with Barty nailed on to crown her magical year on Friday night with an unprecedented fourth consecutive Newcombe Medal as Australia's most outstanding player of the year.