Australian Open Champion Ashleigh Barty Extends Lead In Rankings
Ashleigh Barty's achievement in becoming the first Australian woman in 44 years to win the Australian Open title has seen her consolidate her place atop the WTA rankings. The 25-year-old has increased her lead over Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus -- who exited in the fourth round of the Australian Open -- to over 2,600 points. Danielle Collins's consolation for losing to Barty in Saturday's final is the highest ever ranking for the 28-year-old American as she soars 20 places to 10th. Poland's Iga Swiatek -- who Collins beat in the Australian Open semi-finals -- has also risen to her highest ever ranking, moving up five spots to fourth.


