Barty hopefull one month enough for Australian Open victory

The reigning world nr. 1 explained why she opted to prepare for the first Grand slam of the year by playing a tournament in Adelaide.

Playing a tournament one week before a major tournament can be risky not only because of injury concerns but also because of exhaustion. Such worries are much more amplified when played in extreme conditions which tend to occur at the Aussie Open. For Ashleigh Barty that is not a concern, for her it's a proven and winning formula:

“The last couple of years I have had great runs in Sydney, and that’s put me in good stead. I think for me, my choice is to try and get out and play as many matches as possible leading up to the Australian Open, but also it’s an opportunity to play in front of an Australian crowd. We only get that a month of the year."

She further elaborated: “So it would be stupid of me not to try and take that opportunity. I love playing in Australia. I love playing in front of Australian crowds. It’s an opportunity for me that I don’t want to waste and something that I want to enjoy. It’s worked well for us in previous years.”

She also spoke about her next opponent Danielle Collins: “Danielle is obviously striking the ball exceptionally well. In Brisbane, she started with a bang, and she’s very much a first-strike player."

“She has no fear on those first couple balls early in rallies. It will be important for me to have my running shoes on and try and neutralise when I can and then bring in variety and try and throw her off a little bit if I can, as well.”

That match is scheduled to be played early in the morning hours CET. She defeated Vondrousova in the previous round.

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