“Grown a Little Impatient”: Ashleigh Barty Eager to Make Competitive Return Ahead of Australian Open 2021

Australian World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty is ready to lead the main draw of the Australian Open 2021. This will also mark her return to competitive tennis after a complete year. Her last match was against Czech professional Petra Kvitova in the semifinals of the Qatar Open last year.

After that, Barty withdrew from the 2020 season with the coronavirus risk around the globe. But since the ranks were frozen, for the time being, she has managed to retain her top position throughout the year.

Now, the 24-year-old has opened about her feelings and preparations coming in after such a long break. The interview made it clear that Ashleigh Barty cannot wait any longer.

However, surviving the conditions of 2020 and preparing for a fresh season could not have been easy. Barty said, “It’s been a unique year for everyone without a doubt, a unique preparation for everyone. It’s been a little bit of a tricky one with everyone having to navigate through different things.”

All of that is in the past now, as we are less than a week away from the Australian Summer Events.

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Ashleigh Barty is excited to play at the Australian Open 2021

Considering the year-long break, the 2019 French Open champion made the most of her time. But the long pre-season has left her nerves craving for real action now.

“We probably changed that year into a full pre-season in early October,” she added. “It’s been a long pre-season and I’ve probably grown a little impatient the last three or four weeks about wanting to start and wanting to compete again.”

Moreover, she is looking forward to some heavy competition at the Australian Open 2021. She also said that she is all set now to begin a brand new season.

Ashleigh concluded, “It’s been great and I feel like we’re ready to go and now we’re excited to get out there and have some fun.”

Being a native of Australia, the 24-year-old has an edge over her opponents. Last year, Barty reached the semifinals of the ‘Happy Slam’ after defeating Petra Kvitova. But later on, the eventual champion American Sofia Kenin won in straight sets against the Australian.

She will definitely want to win the Grand Slam in front of her home crowd. Let’s see if her opponents allow her to do so. Can Barty win the Australian Open?

Also Read: Ashleigh Barty Reportedly Breaks Strict Quarantine Protocols Ahead of the Australian Open 2021