Why Alicia Molik is backing Ash to win

Barty starts her campaign as the world No.1 on Tuesday night with Fed Cup captain Molik praising her all-round game.“She won the lead-up tournament so that’s as good as you can get, really,’’ Molik said.“She had a light day yesterday and she’s really good at managing her time. That’s all really important, she keeps it pretty simple and that’s where Ash sets herself apart from other players. She knows what she’s good at and has to do to prepare herself.”Molik added: “Ash is No.1 in the world, that’s incredibly rare. She has a very rare skill set, and talent, and I think as Australians we love our sport. We are proud to play for Australia and that’s where people draw a lot of inspiration from. She’s earned it.”

Molik attended the Women’s Tennis Foundation breakfast with the stars event at Royal South Yarra Tennis Club on Tuesday morning.It is the WTF’s Scholarship Program annual fundraiser to support emerging Australian tennis stars, hosted by WTF president Brigette McGuire.Molik says Barty is well supported for her laid back nature, but she thinks we have been harsh in judgment on the career of Sam Stosur.“The press have been really tough on Sam and she’s not deserving of that, she’s had an amazing career,’’ Molik said.“When you have a job in the public life it’s what you have to face up to but at the same time Australia love Ash because she’s really Australian, she’s really normal. What’s really special is she’s just like your next door neighbour.”Molik had to get an exemption to fly in from Perth and will have to quarantine when she returns to WA.She is hopeful of seeing more Aussie success this week.
jackie.epstein@news.com.au