Tennis-Rafter always a big believer in Barty's hardcourt brilliance

FILE PHOTO: Aug 10, 2018; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Ashley Barty of Australia hits a forehand against Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands (not pictured) in the Rogers Cup tennis tournament at Stade IGA. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Former Australian world number one Pat Rafter said Ash Barty's game is tailor made for grass but he has always believed the Wimbledon champion would prosper on a fast-paced hard court.

After the women's number one claimed the Wimbledon title last year, her coach Craig Tyzzer said he also thought Barty's first Grand Slam would come on a hard court in either Melbourne or New York.