Reborn Barty secures top spot

SYDNEY - Hot on the heels of her French Open victory, Ashleigh Barty officially claimed the women's world No 1 ranking on Monday, overthrowing Japan's Naomi Osaka by winning the Birmingham Classic in England.

It's the first time an Australian woman has held the top spot since seven-time Grand Slam champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1976.

The 23-year-old is staying typically humble, though, telling reporters in Birmingham: "I'm nowhere near her (Cawley's) status...to be mentioned in the same sentence is incredible."