Barty back on court next week in Adelaide

Ash Barty will make her first appearance in almost a year when she takes part in an exhibition event in Adelaide next week.

World No 1 Barty, who has remained top of the rankings despite not playing since last February, joins Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep at the event.

Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Dominic Thiem will also play the one-day event on January 29.

It will be Barty’s first match since her semi-final loss to Petra Kvitova at the Qatar Open last February.

Barty chose to miss the French Open and the US Open  amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Adelaide event, “A Day at the Drive”, will launch Australia’s summer of tennis and take place at the city’s Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.

“I am looking forward to playing my first match for the 2021 season in Adelaide,” Barty said.

“I have fond memories from the Adelaide International last year and it will be great to get back on court here for A Day at the Drive.”