Ashleigh Barty’s ascent to WTA World No.1 was completed on Sunday as she defeated Julia Goerges in the final of the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham.

The Australian finds herself on a winning streak of 12 successive matches, which has allowed her to leapfrog Naomi Osaka at the top of the WTA Rankings.

READ MORE: Champions Corner: New No.1 Barty reflects on rapid rise - 'I'm not really sure what's going on!'

Having taken time away from the sport to play professional cricket, her story of persistence as well as her modest and unassuming attitude has won her friends all over the tennis world, as was reflected in the number of stars lining up to congratulate her on social media.

Among the first to offer her congratulations was beaten finalist Goerges, a close friend of the French Open champion.


Donna Vekic, who had lost in the first round in Birmingham to the Australian, was also quick to offer her felicitations.


Meanwhile, a huge amount of praise came from the Australian tennis community, including Fed Cup team-mate Daria Gavrilova, Casey Dellacqua, who helped Barty find her feet when she was just coming onto the Tour, and renowned coach Darren Cahill.

Inevitably, there was also praise from other Tour players, notably Victoria Azarenka, a doubles partner for the 23-year-old.


Numerous legends of the game also took the time to express their admiration of Barty.

The last word, though, goes to the new World No.1, whose low-key social media reaction typified why she is so admired around the circuit.