Barty in shape to make an impact
Winter break at home a boost for Open preparation
IN an ominous warning to her rivals Ash Barty’s coach says a new stronger version of the world No.1 will be unveiled at the Australian Open.
Craig Tyzzer says the potential negative of an 11-month break between competitive matches is offset by significant improvements in the Queenslander’s physical make-up.
Barty’s trusted mentor believes the 2019 French Open champion is a genuine chance to win her first Australian Open but concedes the lack of match play is the “biggest unknown”.
“It has been great to get a long pre-season in,” Tyzzer said.
“Physically she is in great shape, she looks a little bit stronger because we have been able to get a lot of that work in early.
“We’ve changed a few things, including changing the gut in her racquet to add velocity to the ball as well.
“It’s certainly added a bit more weight to her ball so there’s a bit more power coming out of her racquet.”
Barty, 24, last played a competitive Tour match back in February after deciding to spend the winter at home because of the coronavirus pandemic which meant she missed the US Open and the defence of her French Open crown.
Tyzzer believes absence has certainly made the heart grow fonder for the Open’s top seed.
“It has probably given her a bit of a burst to go, ‘I miss this, I want to play’,” he said.
“She had missed the competition definitely and I think she is in as good of form as we can get her in without match play.
“Obviously you’d like to have a few tournaments under her belt just to know where you’re at and also more for her psyche, just to know that you are in that rhythm.’’
While staying at home in Brisbane and training was a positive there were some hurdles given Melbourne-based Tyzzer was stuck in Victoria because of border restrictions.
The pair were apart for six months and forced to operate via video links for practice sessions before Tyzzer was able to join Barty in October.
But since she arrived in Melbourne three weeks ago, Tyzzer has pitted the best female player on the planet against top line male players.
Barty will make her return to the court on Friday night in Adelaide in an exhibition against world No.2 Simona Halep.