“Improved Version”: Former Fed Cup Captain Compares Ashleigh Barty to Former Swiss Great Martina Hingis

Australian tennis player Ashleigh Barty has been one of the most consistent players on the women’s Tour. She has maintained and held the top spot in the rankings for a considerable amount of time. Coming this Monday, she will complete 100 weeks as the World No. 1 player. 

Not many players have done what Ashleigh Barty will accomplish in the coming week. Players such as Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams, Chris Evert, Hingis, Monica Seles, and Justine Henin belong to this elite category.

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Ashleigh Barty exceeds above many in certain abilities 

Recently, former Australian Fed Cup captain David Taylor praised Barty and even considered her to be an ‘improved version’ of former Swiss star Martina Hingis. He felt the current World No. 1 has more variation to her game. Her ability to serve and hit the slice backhand is something Barty executes better.

Hingis put forward a smart, crafty approach towards her gameplay. Her superior movement and anticipation skills were on top for a player who did not have much power. 

Comparing the two players, Taylor said, “So (Ash has) the analytical skills of Hingis and also the variety but a better serve, obviously, than Martina and she’s able to subdue the power of her opponents, which Hingis did well.

“Ash is an improved version of Martina because she’s got a better serve, probably a better slice backhand so definitely that style of tennis but upgraded.”

Possesses similarities with the 20-time Major champion

David likened Barty to the Swiss maestro Roger Federer. He felt Ashleigh matches up to his ability and produces similar all-court gameplay. Event tactically, there is not much difference between the two players. 

The Australian former captain added, “She’s got so many ways. You look at Roger, he can tactically win with such an array of tactics, and has coached on the WTA Tour for so long, you’re often left with quite a very narrow set of tactics for most of your players on there.”

The Australian star has not competed in an event since her early exit at the US Open. It will be interesting to see if she competes in the season-ending WTA Finals in Mexico. All eyes will be on Barty when she steps on the courts the next time. 

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