Barty relishes challenge after 50-hr trip to Miami

World No.1 Ashleigh Barty endured a two-day journey en route to the Miami Open, as she prepares to compete outside her homeland for the first time in 13 months.

Barty chose to skip the bulk of the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic, but the Queenslander native is finally ready to resume the grind of traveling and competing across the globe.

"It was a long one," Barty said. "It was about 48 hours, 45 hours door-to-door, for us. What should have been quite a simple Brisbane to Sydney, Sydney to L.A., L.A. on to Miami, it's usually quite an easy trip. We had a fight cancellation leaving Australia, another fight cancellation when we got to L.A. It was quite a wriggle around.

"Now we're here. Tough playing tennis after traveling again. Quite a while since I've done that. I'm looking forward to feeling good in another day's time and we'll be ready to go."

Read also

2021 WTA Miami Open Prize money with $3,343,785

Having won this event in 2019, the Aussie is ready to defend the title that has a special meaning in her heart.

"Nice to be back competing, doing what we love," Barty added. "Obviously a tournament we have so many good memories. This week for me a couple of years ago was one of the best of my career where I played consistent tennis throughout the whole week. Looking forward to challenging myself once again to try to bring that tennis."

Click here for live scores and results from the Miami Open.