Australian ace Ash Barty has been crowned the International Tennis Federation’s world champion for a second time.
The recognition caps a tremendous year for world No.1 Barty, who claimed her first Wimbledon title and an Olympic bronze medal in mixed doubles.
Barty, 25, became the first Australian to win the ITF award in 2019 and was also named WTA player of the year for the second time earlier this month.
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“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.”
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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, was named ITF men’s world champion for a record seventh time.
Djokovic enjoyed another dominant year, claiming the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles.
His win puts him clear of American legend Pete Sampras, who won six ITF gongs.
The award has been held since 1978.
“After such a rewarding year for me, my team, family and fans it is a great honour to be named the ITF World Champion for the seventh time,” Djokovic said.
“I am very grateful and proud for the results I’ve achieved and fortunate I had a chance to compete for the Serbian national team, too.”
Australia’s Dylan Alcott became the ITF quad wheelchair world champion for the third straight time.
Alcott achieved a ‘golden slam,’ winning all four Grand Slam singles titles as well as Paralympic singles gold in Tokyo.
Alcott has announced he will retire after next year’s Australian Open.
“It’s an absolute honour to be named world champion for the last time,” Alcott said.
“To be honest, I just felt extremely grateful that I could travel round the world and do my job this year, especially with everything that’s going on in the world and in Australia.
“It was a team effort and there were lots of ups and downs, but we managed to get it done. This year I’ve had the proudest moments probably in my whole career, which is pretty awesome. I’m really stoked that I could finish it off with the golden slam and I’m really looking forward to my last tournament coming up at the Australian Open.”
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