Rob Barty, father of Ashleigh Barty, addressed a group of 40 parents at the Tewantin Noosa Tennis Club on Thursday 25 July to discuss just what was required of a parent to take a young keen tennis player at the tender age of four to be the World Number One tennis player.
It takes dedication, commitment, sacrifice and just plain good luck, Rob said. Rob praised the work of Jim Joyce, Ash’s first coach who had laid down rules that guided her journey. Jim had five rules in tennis:
1. Be happy.
2. Have fun.
3. Be a nice person.
4. Be respected and respectful to others.
5. And if you can play tennis, then that is an added bonus.
Rob said for the player, the most important person is the coach. In the case of Jim Joyce, his instructions on and beyond the court were those that were followed.
Rob also attributed a lot of Ash’s success to sports psychologist, Ben Crowe, who assisted as she climbed up the rankings.
Rob’s address was well received from the audience who asked probing questions and appreciated his frank responses. Under the auspices of the Ashleigh Barty Foundation, Rob has been visiting tennis clubs throughout Australia delivering messages of inspiration.
