'Absolute disgrace': Aussie star blasts Serena Williams over treatment of Ash Barty
Former Australian tennis star Sam Groth has savaged superstar Serena Williams, after the American said prior to Wimbledon that she didn’t know Ash Barty was the top ranked player.
Groth, in a column penned for the Herald Sun, didn’t hold back in his criticism of Williams, one of the all-time greats of the game.
The former world number 53 said it was an “absolute disgrace” that Williams wouldn’t know who was number one heading into Wimbledon, the biggest tournament of the season, and accused Williams of furthering “brand Serena” over “brand tennis”.
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“I thought Serena Williams’ reaction to Ash Barty becoming world No.1 last week was an absolute disgrace,” Groth wrote.
“I don’t think what Ash has achieved in recent weeks has actually had the recognition it deserves from a lot of people, but as one of the biggest names in tennis, what Serena said was pretty s***ty.
“You’re the one of the most recognisable athletes on the planet and you can’t tell me who the number one player in your sport is? It’s disgraceful and not a good look for your sport.”
Williams said she wasn't aware Barty had become No.1 until being told at her pre-Wimbledon press conference on Saturday.
Williams, though, did say she was happy for Barty and was gushing in her appraisal of the Queenslander's game.
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"Wow, that's great," the 23-times grand slam champion said.
"I think Ash, I don't know anyone that has anything negative to say about her. She's like the sweetest, cutest girl on tour. She's so nice.
"She has the most beautiful game, such classic shots. I mean, she does everything right. Her technique is, like, flawless.
"Obviously I'm happy for her. Yeah, it's good. It's good for her."
The American superstar endorsed Barty as a genuine chance of becoming Australia's first Wimbledon singles champion since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.