Game on as Barty prepares for battle
ASHLEIGH Barty is confident she has the game to match it with any player in the world on the big stage, with the rising star preparing to launch into her Australian Open campaign.
Fresh from claiming some top-ranked scalps on her way to her second straight Sydney International final, Barty will headline Australia’s hopes alongside Alex de Minaur on day one at Melbourne Park.
After finishing runner-up to world No.8 Petra Kvitova in Sydney, Barty has shortened in championship betting from $26 to $13 for the Open in the space of a week.
Barty, who defeated Simona Halep (No.1), Elise Mertens (No.14) and Kiki Bertens (No.9) in Sydney, said her early season form had given her the confidence she could match anyone on court.
“There are so many positives from this week, there really are,’’ Barty said.
“I think having the confidence, knowing that I can beat some of the best players in the world, that’s the biggest thing.
“I know that I’ve always been able to match it with them, but to get a couple of wins is really special.
“It’s been an amazing week ... probably this close to being an exceptional week, exceptional start to 2019. It’s really exciting going into Melbourne.’’
Barty is striving to improve on her best result at Melbourne Park – a pair of thirdround appearances in the past two years.
The No.15 seed, playing in her sixth Australian Open, will meet unseeded Thai Luksika Kumkhum in the evening session on Margaret Court Arena tonight.
“I played her a couple of times. I think we’ve actually split the win each time,’’ Barty said. “Very tricky opponent. Double-handed both sides, loves to take the ball early and put you under time pressure.
“I know I’ll certainly have to be playing tennis at my best level to make sure that I can try and work around a few things. Serve and return is going to be very important.’’
Barty, 22, is ready to ride the wave of support from the Australian crowds.
“The support that Australians get at the Australian Open is truly remarkable, it really is,’’ Barty said.
“It’s spine-tingling at times. When you are playing a really exciting match, the crowd helps, absolutely. I’m really excited to go in, hopefully, a packed Margaret Court Arena.
“There’s nothing better than a Monday-night session at the Australian Open to kick us off.”
While Barty’s form has everyone taking notice, is not looking any further ahead than her first round match.
“That’s all you can worry about because things can change so quickly.’’