Australian World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty will make her long-awaited return to court when she begins her summer at a star-studded show in Adelaide next week.
The Players At Adelaide
Barty has not played in 11 months but is a confirmed starter alongside world No 2 Simona Halep, third-ranked Naomi Osaka and 23-time grand slam champion Serena Williams.
Named as ‘Day at the drive, the January 29 show on Memorial Drive also features four top male players, with two single matches in the afternoon and evening program
The men’s group consists of three leading players in Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem, as well as Italy’s world number 26 Jannick Sinner. The field boasts an impressive 67 grand slam singles titles between them.
Barty’s Drought Spell Is Over
Barty, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year, has not played a competitive game since she had been a Qatar Open semi-finalist in February. She skipped last year the US Open and the French Open, where she was scheduled to defend her title, due to threats by Covid-19.
The 24-year-old cited health risks and improper preparation when she was separated from her coach due to Australian restrictions. Currently training in Melbourne, Barty won Adelaide International last year and said she is looking forward to returning there.
“I’m looking forward to playing my first game of the 2021 season in Adelaide,” Barty said. “I have some fond memories from Adelaide International last year and it would be great to be back in court here for A Day in Drive.”
Following the exhibition she will contest the WTA 500 tournament at Melbourne Park in the lead-up to day one of the Australian Open on 8 February.
