“It’s really exciting for me to see them have that opportunity and learn all the things that I learned, a few too many years ago. It’s important to be patient, and understand that good things take time.
“For these young girls, it’s about the experience and learning what it’s like to manage a full schedule on tour, how to handle second weeks of grand slams, and all these things [that happen] along the way.”
Ash Barty made deliveries in Brisbane.
Barty continues to be impressed with Alex de Minaur, including his transformation from a player who once provided only nuisance value to the world’s best, to being a top-10 staple and six-time major quarter-finalist.
The triple grand slam champion sidestepped questions on how de Minaur could gatecrash the top five and go deeper at the grand slams, but was optimistic about his prospects of doing both.
“I hope that he can take that next step because I think he’s capable. It’s just about when it happens,” she said.
Alex de Minaur is entrenched in the top 10.Credit: Getty Images
“‘Demon’ works so hard, and there’s no ego with him. He goes out there and tries to master his trade as best that he can, and he’s been bloody successful at it.
“There are a lot of things that come into [being a top player], but I think first and foremost, and probably most importantly, is when that opportunity arises, you need to be ready … and courageous and brave enough to take that next step.”
Now aged 29 and mother to son Hayden, 2½, and daughter Jordan, six months, Barty rarely has time these days for even a social hit of tennis or golf.
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She also insists she is not even thinking about a time in the distant future when she might get involved in Australian tennis again.
“[Being a mum] is everything that I’ve ever wanted. I have the best job in the world. I get to be a mum to two healthy, happy kids who are growing and changing every day, so I wouldn’t change a thing,” Barty said.
“As an athlete, sometimes you need to be selfish, to make sure that you’re ready … whereas when I’m at home with the kids, it’s completely selfless. Everything I do is centred around them, and I absolutely love it.”
Former world No.1 Ash Barty was promoting Amazon Flex, which will make deliveries right up to Christmas.