An adorable childhood photo of tennis champion Ash Barty has re-emerged ahead of her semi-final battle against Madison Keys at the Australian Open.
In the cute photo, the world number one is grinning beside her sister Sara.
Barty will achieve her best ever Australian Open result if she beats the American in the semi-final match at Rod Laver Arena tonight.
Although she played in a semi-final at the Australian Open before in 2020, Barty has never made it to the final of the tournament.
Barty has won 14 singles titles, including two grand slams — the 2019 French Open and Wimbledon last year.
The 25-year-old has not dropped a set so far in this tournament.
If Barty can claim the trophy, she will be the first Australian to do so since Chris O’Neill in 1978.
Earlier this week, Jim Courier declared Barty’s slice backhand was better than that of 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer.
Barty’s coach Craig Tyzzer on Wednesday said there were not many women who could hit a slice backhand.
“I think the fact that they don’t see it that often and then have to come up against it – it’s actually quite funny,” he told reporters.
“When you see who Ash has to play, you see them out there practising (against) someone hitting a slice backhand to them.
“It’s probably a bit late the day before to try to get that right. If you haven’t practised it enough now you’re probably not going to get that right.
“Her forehand is actuallxjmtzywy a weapon.
“Her slice will set her up a lot for her forehand. Her serve sets her up a lot for her shots, as well. It’s all of those elements for me.”
