World no. 1 Ashleigh Barty will compete at the A Day at the Drive event at Memorial Drive Tennis Centre in Adelaide on Friday, January 29.
Barty is still the top-ranked WTA player despite playing only four tournaments in 2020, winning the title in Adelaide and losing in the semis at the Australian Open and Doha.
Staying at home in Australia since March, Ashleigh missed the second part of the season following the restart, working on the practice court and preparing for a fresh start in 2021. Ashleigh will hit the court again next Friday in Adelaide, entering the exhibition event that features Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem, Jannik Sinner, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep.
"I am looking forward to playing my first match for the 2021 season in Adelaide. I have fond memories from the Adelaide International last year, and it will be great to get back on the court here for A Day at the Drive," Ashleigh Barty said.
"Having Ash Barty return to Adelaide, and to where she had such a great tournament last year, is a massive win for South Australian tennis fans. She's everything we love in a champion - and I'm sure when she plays at Memorial Drive next week, the crowd is going to welcome her with open arms. It will be a day to remember," South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said.
"As if this event wasn't good enough already, we're now welcoming world No.1 Ash Barty back to Adelaide. It was fantastic to see her take out the inaugural Adelaide International last year and become the first woman in nine years to win a title on home soil. We can't wait to see her back in action at Memorial Drive next week," South Australian Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing Corey Wingard said.
"We are thrilled to welcome Ash and Jannik as our final two players for A Day at the Drive. To see a field of this caliber is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we look forward to the South Australian public joining us for this exceptional event," Tennis SA CEO Debbie Sterrey.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
