ZHUHAI, China - Ashleigh Barty came into the 2018 season simply hoping to consolidate her phenomenal 2017 comeback season, which saw her win two titles and finish the season at No.17. The 22-year-old Aussie prodigy not only backed up her 2017 campaign with two more titles, including the biggest title of her career at the Hengqin Life WTA Elite Trophy Zhuhai, but she will finish her season at a new career-high No.15.
"I wasn't aware of that, but that's a really neat way to finish off the year," Barty told reporters after the win. "It's been a truly phenomenal year. My goal is to stay top 20 and try and consolidate as best I can. We've been able to do that and come away with a couple of titles, as well, and still being very successful in doubles.
"It's been a really, really amazing year. Now we get to go home to celebrate that and then prepare for bigger and better things in 2019, starting with the Australian summer."
Barty joined the WTA Insider Podcast after her title run in Zhuhai, which saw her tally strong wins over Caroline Garcia, Julia Goerges, and home favorite Wang Qiang in Sunday's final. She reflects on her season, her comeback, and what it was like to be slicing that backhand with Stefanie Graf watching.
Listen to the full interview on the WTA Insider Podcast below:
