Ash Barty will return to the Australian Open in 2023 but this time as a mentor to 20 year-old Olivia Gadecki.
Barty retired from the sport last year after she claimed victory at the Australian Open after beating Danielle Collins.
The former world number one became the first Australian to win the Australian Open since 1978 and achieved her life-long goal.
However Barty’s retirement came as a shock to everyone and since then has not returned to the sport in any capacity.
Until now that is as the three-time Grand Slam champion will return to Melbourne Park in 2023 but this time as a mentor to Olivia Gadecki.
Gadecki received a wildcard to the main draw this year and is tipped to be one of the biggest rising stars in Australia.
Speaking about Barty’s guidance, Gadecki revealed that the former world number one has been a big help to her career, “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 was quoted as saying by Perthnow.
“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. Just her application. She’s just really good at being consistent with everything she goes about.”
Gadecki has been highly impressive in her early career having beaten Sofia Kenin at last year’s Philip Island Trophy at Melbourne Park with the 20 year-old also working with David Taylor in the past, who has worked with the likes of Martina Hingis and Naomi Osaka.
Now after a tough last six months Gadecki is looking forward to achieving her dream of competing at the Australian Open, “Last year was a bit tough with injuries. I’ve been struggling a little bit for the last five or six months,” Gadecki admitted to AAP at the United Cup this week.
“I did my ankle and left hand but it’s a long journey and one year (of disruptions) is not going to make a massive difference. I’m looking at 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 know I can play at a top level but I’m just looking at all the little things I have to do well to get there.
“I’m just looking to enjoy the experience and hopefully get a couple of matches under my belt.”
Gadecki started her season with a 6-2 6-2 defeat to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the United Cup and will continue her Australian Open preparations at the Hobart International next week.
