Tennis: Ash Barty has first hit in Melbourne ahead of bumper summer of tennis

Ash Barty has stepped out onto the court at Rod Laver Arena for the first time this summer as a bumper line-up of tennis in Australia awaits.

Ash Barty enjoyed a practice hit at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Ash Barty has stepped out onto the court at the famous Rod Laver Arena for the first time this summer as the star enjoyed a practice hit with fellow Aussie Sam Stosur.

Barty, the world No. 1 in the women’s game, is yet to win an Australian Open title, only making it as far as the semi-final in 2020.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial >

But the 25-year-old looked in terrific nick as she enjoyed a solid hit with Stosur, with the duo firing heavy groundstrokes at one another.

The pair played plenty of practice points as Stosur gears up to contest what will be a record-equalling 20th Australian Open appearance after receiving a wildcard.

Stosur has never made it past the fourth round in her home grand slam and has hinted this one could be her last.

Ash Barty had her first hit in Melbourne as she gears up for a huge summer of tennis. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Also having a hit on Rod Laver Arena was Naomi Osaka, who is looking to defend her Australian Open crown.

The Japanese sensation made waves before the French Open when she announced she would not participate in any of the mandatory media assignments before ultimately withdrawing from the tournament after winning her first match.

She would also not play at Wimbledon either.

Andy Murray had a brief hit as the Scot looks to make the most of his wildcard opportunity.

Murray has made the final of the Australian Open on five occasions but has not passed the fourth round since 2017 after a series of major injuries forced him to the sidelines.

Grigor Dimitrov, Simona Halep and Australian star Dylan Alcott all soaked up some of the Melbourne sunshine on Rod Laver Arena.

The Australian Open begins on January 17.