Barty roasts red-faced team member after win

Ash Barty concluded her fourth round Australian Open win with the usual plaudits to her tight-knit team – plus a public burn for a newer member.

That was her English strength and conditioning coach, Mark Taylor, namesake of the legendary Australian cricket captain.

Barty was asked about her team after beating American Shelby Rogers in straight sets, offering a heartfelt tribute to their special bond.

"Even though there's a fair bit of banter for a certain Englishman," Barty added.

"He's just kind of come into the pack. We've welcomed him in, kind of.

"But he'll be up there with a red cherry face right now, which is brilliant."

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Dellacqua confirmed for viewers that Barty was referring to Taylor.

"Aptly nicknamed 'Tubs' as well. It's all good," Barty said.

Taylor was indeed red-faced, though fortunately that's partly because he was cracking up. He even pulled his mask up over his eyes to cover the inexorable crimson.

Taylor has been with Barty for a number of years, so apparently it takes a while to truly crack the inner sanctum of a team that has delivered the world No.1 ranking and a French Open title. Taylor was part of both triumphs in 2019, alongside Barty's trusted coach Craig Tyzzer.

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