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.
Great week here in Birmingham, many positives to take from the week and glad to have gotten so many grass court matches ahead of Wimbledon. 🌱🌱 Huge congrats to @ashbar96 and her team for the title, becoming world number 1 #teamjule #Wimbledon #NatureValleyClassic pic.twitter.com/1VIaO8MW5W
— Jule Goerges✌️🇩🇪 (@juliagoerges) June 23, 2019
Donna Vekic, who had lost in the first round in Birmingham to the Australian, was also quick to offer her felicitations.
Wow congrats @ashbar96 !!!!! #BartyParty #1
— Donna Vekic (@DonnaVekic) June 23, 2019
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.
My idol just became number 1 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/3NmZi6ajv4
— Daria Gavrilova (@Daria_gav) June 23, 2019
When your back was up against the wall time & time again you found a way to turn it around & fight 💪 you have always known what is best for you & done it your way 🌟 you are truly an inspiration sweetie & no one is more deserving of that number 1 ranking than you 🇦🇺 #1 @ashbar96 https://t.co/Me27ithHfx
— caseydellacqua (@caseydellacqua) June 23, 2019
The ranking rise of Ash Barty after restarting her career.
May 2016 - unranked
Dec 2016 - 272
Dec 2017 - 17
Dec 2018 - 15
June 24, 2019 - No.1
A stunning rise to the top in just 3 years.
Well done @ashbar96 @CTyzzer and your entire team 🇦🇺💚💛👏— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) June 23, 2019
Massive Congrats to @ashbar96 on 1 of the most incredible 2 years of a sports life/comeback U will ever see. Middle order batsman for QLDs. Cricket team & coaching at her local club 2 Grand Slam champion & now world # 1 . Talk about having a belief in yourself & your journey! 👏🏻
— Rennae Stubbs (@rennaestubbs) June 23, 2019
Couldn’t be happier for you @ashbar96 !! Such a legend on and off the court and I couldn’t think of anyone more hard working / deserving. An inspiration for me and all the Aussie girls on the tour ❤️ #1 #goat #iknowher 🐐 https://t.co/BfagPD07xQ
— Lizette Cabrera (@lizzycabrera97) June 23, 2019
Inevitably, there was also praise from other Tour players, notably Victoria Azarenka, a doubles partner for the 23-year-old.
Humble beast! ❤️ https://t.co/rfKPdL9kjB
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) June 23, 2019
Congrats on becoming world No.1 @ashbar96. It was a privilege to share a court with you ❤ pic.twitter.com/rIQBSbFnJG
— Marta Kostyuk (@marta_kostyuk) June 23, 2019
Numerous legends of the game also took the time to express their admiration of Barty.
Congratulations to World
No. 1, @ashbar96. With incredible versatility, perseverance, and focus, Ash Barty is an inspiration to the next generation of young players in Australia. Well done! https://t.co/Sa61roCYNF— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 23, 2019
@ashbar96 may not have the most unusual and compelling journey to the #1 ranking in tennis or any sport, but it’s in consideration. What other athletes’ unusual journey to the top of their sport has touched your heart like this one? Well earned Ash!!
— Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) June 23, 2019
Winning a Major✅. Becoming World #1 ✅ Can @ashbar96 complete the trifecta all in 2019 by helping the #Aussies win @FedCup? @wta #DreamYear.
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) June 23, 2019
A big👏👏👏👏Congratulations to @ashbar96 Tremendous story, talent, and most importantly, person...
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) June 23, 2019
Winning 3 titles in 2019 on hard (Miami), RG (clay), & now Birmingham (grass). @ashbar96 So versatile & I don’t think even close to her peak-just the beginning-much more to come!! #Aussie
— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) June 23, 2019
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.
— Ash Barty (@ashbar96) June 23, 2019