Big Bash to big stage, Barty back with Beck win

Melbourne: Ashleigh Barty stunned Australian tennis fans more than two yearsagowhensheturnedherbackon the sport to play top-level cricket. On Monday, she signalled she was back. The 20-year-old, free of a shoulder injurythatforcedheroutofqualifyingfor last week’s Hobart tournament, won herfirstmatchattheaustralianopenat her fourth attempt with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Germany’s Annika Beck. “It’s nice to finally get that first singles win here,” Barty told reporters Monday. “I think you have to enjoy it. You have to sort of appreciate what you’ve worked for, what you’ve achieved.” Barty, who won a junior Wimbledon title at 15, made three grand slam doubles finals with compatriot Casey Dellacqua in 2013andfacedserenawilliamsoncentrecourtatmelbourneparkthreeyears ago, gave the game away in late 2014.

It was too much, too fast, she said at the time and wanted to have a normal life for while, spend time at home with friends and family and play a team sport.havingimpressedinclubcricket, shewassignedbythebrisbaneheatfor the inaugural women’s Big Bash Twenty20 competition in November 2015,hitting39runsinherfirstmatch. She returned to tennis mid-way through last year, playing lower-level tournaments and attempting to qualify for Wimbledon.

Barty won her first match at the Brisbane tournament two weeks ago before losing to world number one Angelique Kerber. After getting a wildcard for the season-opening grand slam, she withdrew from qualifying in Hobart, preferring to ensure she was ready for her return to the big show.

REUTERS

Supporters of Ashleigh Barty during the first round match against Germany’s Annika Beck.