Ashleigh Barty: Amazing Aussie likened to Roger Federer by fellow tennis stars

World number one Ashleigh Barty is unbeaten so far in 2022 and the Australian’s remarkable form has garnered comparisons with tennis legend Roger Federer. 

Barty won her third major title in Melbourne last month without dropping a set – consolidating her place at the top of the rankings. 

The Aussie’s victory means she is now one of five active players to win majors on all three surfaces, after Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams. 

While Barty does not possess the same groundstroke power that Williams so often showed during her prime, her all-around game is outstanding and she has no discernible weaknesses. 

Depending on the situation, Barty is able to switch up her game and likes to mix up the tempo in rallies by utilising her world-class slice.

Her composure on court has been likened to Federer, who also liked to use the slice and valued precision over power. 

Indeed, Spanish world number five Paula Badosa told Eurosport: “I said the other day to my coach when she won the tournament [the Australian Open], I was like, ‘She’s very good, but I want to play against her again. I want to see how it feels’. 

“She makes everything easy. Tough matches, she makes it easy. I’m just watching and watching her. It’s amazing. For me, she’s very similar on the male side with [Roger] Federer.

“She does everything, like, with a lot of flow and very easy. But, yeah, I think she’s the target for everyone.

“She’s the best and she’s showing that she’s the best every tournament. It’s unbelievable.”

Similarly, four-time Grand Slam champion Jim Courier made the bold claim that Barty’s backhand slice was even better than Federer’s in his prime. 

“Ash’s slice technique is arguably the best backhand slice technique in the