Serena Williams won the 2010s, who will dominate the next WTA decade?

Ash Barty

Age during the next decade: 23-33
WTA ranking now: 1
Career titles: 7

While picking through the best young and emerging talent on the WTA Tour, do not forget the current world number one, Ash Barty, is only 23 and will have designs on significant success in the 2020s.

The WTA Player of the Year for 2019, Barty won her first Grand Slam at the French Open and also took the honours at the WTA Finals, adding to titles in Miami and Birmingham.

Barty’s career total of seven WTA titles is the highest of anyone on this list, a factor that should not be overlooked regardless of how her style contrasts with the other contenders.

Consistency is also key. Barty has made the last 16 for five consecutive major tournaments and has not missed a single Grand Slam in the last three years having returned to tennis after a stint playing Cricket.

Prior to her breakout 2019 season, she had two straight years finishing in the top 20 as well and it looks like the Australian will always be there or thereabouts.

Barty has the mentality, as well as the game, to battle through the more difficult moments which inevitably arise during a two-week Slam campaign.

Serena Williams is seeking a major record over the course of 2020 but will see Barty as one of her top rivals, starting with the Australian Open where the world number one will be playing on home soil.

And once Serena has left the stage, Barty is among a host of WTA stars looking to become the next leading figure of the women’s game.