She might not be defending her title however Ash Barty will likely be again at Melbourne Park this month mentoring one other tennis tremendous expertise together with her personal large Australian Open goals.
Barty revealed in November that she’d be returning to the scene of her momentous 2022 Open triumph however refused to reveal what position she’d be filling, solely ruling out becoming a member of the commentary ranks.
But fellow Queensland prodigy Olivia Gadecki is happy to report the retired celebrity will likely be in her nook for the 20-year-old’s much-anticipated Open debut after being handed a wildcard entry into the season’s first grand slam.
Barty has been mentoring Gadecki for a number of years, the pair usually hitting collectively on the Gold Coast, and is dedicated to serving to her state mate make a profitable transition to the skilled ranks.
“I’ve been really fortunate to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice, she’s always been there for me,” Gadecki instructed AAP on the United Cup in Sydney.
“The best part is she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate in that regard and off court is just as important as on court.”
As properly as leaning on Barty’s huge expertise of coping with the stress of expectation from a younger age, the previous nationwide junior champion says the three-time main winner’s professionalism is unrivalled.
“Just her application. She’s just really good at being consistent with everything she goes about,” Gadecki mentioned.
Gadecki’s Open debut comes a 12 months after she sat out the 2022 Australian summer season marketing campaign after declining to get vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.
That choice got here after an unranked Gadecki had burst onto the worldwide stage with a victory over 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin on the 2021 Phillip Island Trophy occasion at Melbourne Park.
Gadecki backed up that gorgeous upset win with a speedy stand up the rankings beneath esteemed coach David Taylor, Samantha Stosur’s long-time former ally and mentor of greats together with Martina Hingis and Naomi Osaka.
But she has no regrets about her choice to not get vaccinated, which additionally price Gadecki financially.
“Look, I knew what my decision entailed and just focused on doing the best I could with what I’ve got and just tried to play the rest of the year,” mentioned the now-world No.202, who’s one week into a brand new teaching partnership with Des Tyson.
“Last year was a bit tough with injuries. I’ve been struggling a little bit for the last five or six months.
“I did my ankle and left hand however it’s an extended journey and one 12 months (of disruptions) shouldn’t be going to make an enormous distinction. I’m trying on the positives.
“I’m fortunate enough to be given the opportunity of playing main-draw Australian Open, which has been a dream of mine from a very young age.
“I do know I can play at a prime stage however I’m simply all of the little issues I’ve to do properly to get there.
“I’m just looking to enjoy the experience and hopefully get a couple of matches under my belt.”
Gadecki will spherical out her Open preparations at subsequent week’s Hobart International.
