Australian tennis champion Ash Barty has delivered Rod Laver a beautiful tribute after clinching victory on the court named after the legendary figure.
Barty saw off plucky American Amanda Anisimova in a 6-4, 6-3 win to advance to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open, setting up a match against Jessica Pegula of the USA.
The world No.1 from Queensland then fielded a couple of questions about Australian tennis royalty Laver in her press conference.
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“It’s so nice to have Rod here, first and foremost. It’s so nice to have him enjoying his own house, enjoying his own court,” Barty said.
“He was unbeatable. I’m certainly not. I’m just out here doing what I can, enjoying it, like I said, try and make my opponent’s life as uncomfortable as possible. That’s my job ultimately.”
Laver won 11 singles major titles in the 1960s, including the Australian Open on three occasions, and is the only player – male or female – to have twice won all four grand slams in a calendar year.
The 83-year-old remains a regular attendee at Australian Open matches and was at his own Melbourne Park arena for Barty’s fourth-round win.
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“He’s an exceptional human being. He’s an amazing champion of our sport. He’s iconic,” Barty said.
“It’s just amazing to be in his presence.
“And in the same breath he’s also a down-to-earth Queenslander who just loves his sport.
“As Australians we are extremely lucky that he still is able to enjoy the tennis with us, and, yeah, hopefully has a few more left.”
Barty conquered Roland-Garros in 2019 and Wimbledon last year and is now hunting her maiden Australian Open title.
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