Adelaide International 2022: Ash Barty unconcerned with number of wins before Australian Open

Ash Barty typically enjoys lots of success before the Australian Open, but it isn’t how she gauges whether she’s ready.

Ash Barty was pleased with her first match of the new season in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open. Picture: AFP

Ash Barty is unconcerned with how many wins she stacks up before the Australian Open, adamant that isn’t a factor in whether or not she achieves grand slam success.

Australia’s world No.1 avoided a season-opening loss in Adelaide on Wednesday night when she staged a brilliant comeback to overcome Coco Gauff 4-6 7-5 6-1.

It was Barty’s first competitive match since her third-round defeat at the US Open in September.

She has traditionally dominated in Australian Open lead-in events, winning titles in Melbourne and Adelaide and making at least a final in four-straight years.

The 25-year-old is also entered in next week’s Sydney Tennis Classic, but she said playing lots of matches before a grand slam was not necessarily part of her plan.

Ash Barty made a winning start to her Adelaide International campaign. Picture: AFP

“I’ve learned along the way that all of the lead-ins are unique,” she said.

“Sometimes when we’re feeling the best and probably the most prepared, the outcome and the result isn’t always what we wanted.

“Other times, you feel completely underdone and unsure of what to expect and the best results come.

“So, think I’ve just learned along the way just to take every day as it comes and prepare as we’re preparing, do what we can and we know that a grand slam is just another event.”

Barty added that playing two warm-up events was more about wanting to maximise her opportunities to play at home.

The Adelaide crowd relished Ash Barty’s come-from-behind win on Wednesday night. Picture: Getty Images

Her quarter-final opponent will be the winner of Thursday night’s clash between fellow Aussie Ajla Tomljanovic and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.

“The first match of the year is always a tricky one – you’re a little bit unsure of how you’re going to play and how you’re going to get into that flow of matches,” Barty said.

“It is very different under match conditions, but we were happy with the level (against Gauff). There is work to do and we’ll keep chipping away to try and feel more comfortable on the court.

“But, all in all, pretty happy with the way we were able to shift through the gears and ultimately leave the court after a really good third set feeling quite confident.”