Ash Barty on how her family keeps her grounded: 'My sisters are my rock'

From 'Grand Slam winner' to 'world number one', Ash Barty has plenty of impressive titles under her belt.

However, there's another title the Aussie athlete is equally proud of, and it's got nothing to do with the tennis court.

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"Being an auntie ... is my favourite role in the world. Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my little nieces and nephew," Barty, 24, tells 9Honey.

The Queenslander's prowess on the court has been nothing short of meteoric, her talent taking her from Brisbane to the world stage.

Amid all her successes, Barty says her two big sisters, Sara and Ali, have been her "rock" and kept her grounded.

"We are a very close family, and they have supported me through all stages of my career," she says.

"They are always on the other end of the phone to make me laugh, say the right things after I've had a tough match, or keep me grounded by reminding me I am their little sister."

Family has been particularly important throughout the past 12 months.

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Barty spent most of 2020 on the sidelines due to the pandemic, declining to travel for international tournaments even when they resumed midway through the year.

Now her 11-month hiatus has come to an end, and with the Australian Open just days away, she's looking forward to getting back on court and playing a competitive match.

"I've been working really hard over the last few months to be prepared for the Aussie summer and I feel ready to play," says Barty, who was recently named the ambassador for Venus Australia's My Skin My Way Campaign.

Barty's preparation for the tournament involves various training sessions, plenty of rest, and close attention to her eating and sleep habits.

Coffee fiends may also be pleased to hear the world's top female tennis player starts the day with a cuppa, too.

"First thing in the morning is always coffee time!" she says.

"During the day I train for a few hours with my coach, see my physio, have some lunch and at least two more coffees.

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"Getting closer to the event, I adjust my training schedule to replicate potential match times, which may include some training sessions at night."

Barty says self-care also comes into the equation, and she's a creature of habit when it comes to her beauty rituals.

"I make sure I'm always match ready with my Venus Extra smooth Platinum Razor and use Esmi Skin Minerals products to keep my skin in good shape," she says.

Off the court, Barty is involved in a number of community projects, largely focused on young people.

Among them is the National Girls in Sport initiative, which aims to increase the visibility and equality of women's sport and prompt girls to become involved in it.

She hopes to use her profile to encourage young people to chase their dreams.

"I was told I was too short to play tennis… I hope I can help inspire boys and girls to believe in themselves and have the confidence to take their own path."