Barty enjoys heavy load

ASH Barty will shoulder Australia’s Fed Cup hopes on a potentially epic final day after a gripping opening session left the arch-rivals tied at 1-all.

Barty was due to contest reverse singles against US No.1 Madison Keys before partnering Daria Gavrilova in doubles as Australia attempts to reach April’s semi-final round.

Undaunted by the workload, Barty is relishing the challenge in Ashville, North Carolina.

Barty swept past American Sofia Kenin 6-1, 7-6 (7-2) before Keys overwhelmed Queenslander Kimberly Birrell 6-2, 6-2 to level the tie.

Barty and Gavrilova were due to tackle Danielle Collins and Nicole Melichar in doubles.