Retired Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty is returning to Melbourne Park for this yr’s occasion to mentor native hope Olivia Gadecki, who acquired a wildcard for the season’s first Grand Slam.
Former world primary Barty known as time on her profession final March, shortly after ending her nation’s 44-year look ahead to a house champion on the Australian Open.
World quantity 202 Gadecki mentioned on the United Cup in Sydney that Barty could be in her camp at Melbourne Park for the Jan. 16-29 match.
“I’ve been really fortunate to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice, she has always been there for me,” Gadecki instructed the Australian Associated Press.
“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.”
The 20-year-old will start her Australian Open preparations at subsequent week’s Hobart International.