"I'll have to patient with myself" says Ashleigh Barty ahead of return to action

Ashleigh Barty is set to return to action this week in Adelaide and the Australian understands that she will require patience.

Barty has not played since the US Open in August and getting in peak form for competitive tennis will take time. Barty understands that and it's the reason she is playing both the singles and doubles in the event. Her first return to action will be in the doubles and ahead of that she said:

"I love to try to get better each and every day. I'm excited now to try and bring it all together as best as I can and understand in the next couple of weeks. I'll have to be patient with myself. It has been a while since I've played a competitive match, but I feel good, I feel ready."

Getting to where she wants to be will be tough for Baryty as she understands that the competition is getting stronger. Winning the Australian Open has been a longtime dream of hers but it's not getting any easier with each year. On that she said:

"There are fresh challengers every year, regardless of who is what spot on the ranking list. Girls really stepped up, were able to play really consistent seasons, which is exciting to see for the women's game. It feels like it's just good competition. Genuinely there is really good depth and you have to bring your best time and time again to be able to compete with everyone and give yourself a chance to win the big title."