Ashleigh Barty: It’s an honour and privilege to play for Australia
Winning both her singles matches along with the crucial Doubles fixture, Ashleigh Barty guided Australia into the Fed Cup Semi-finals of the World Group for just the second time since 1993.
“I’ve said right from the start, it’s an honour and privilege to be able to play for Australia. When Mol (captain Alicia Molik) asked me to play three times during the week, I put my hand up absolutely, do whatever she asks,” Barty said.
“For all of us, I’m so proud of every single person sitting on this table. I think in particularly Mol having the belief and the faith in us, knowing that whoever she puts out on the court, we can back in 100 per cent.
“It’s the best feeling in the world, to be honest. No matter what the crowd is like, when you’re playing with Australia written on your back, wearing the green and gold, it’s the best feeling, regardless if you’re home or away.”
Speaking about the all-important doubles win, Barty added, “It’s the best feeling in the world, it really is. I’ve been able to have a little bit of a taste of it before. But certainly I said to Pri, to all the girls after the match, How good is Fed Cup? How good is it playing for Australia!”
“These are the moments you remember for the rest of your life. You play a million matches on tour, but the best memories come from these Fed Cup weeks. It’s just really special that I’m able to be here.”
“To play that last rubber with Pri was unreal. Hon was keenly aware of the stakes when she took to the court. “I’ve never sweat so much before,” she admitted. “Even playing for myself, I know what nerves are, but just having your whole team, you’re playing for Australia obviously, it’s a complete different feeling.
“Getting the win, I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, to be honest. Yeah, I don’t even know how to describe this feeling at the moment. I’m just so happy we could get the win.”
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2E5p040
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