Retired champion Ash Barty to mentor wildcard entry at Australian Open
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Retired Australian Open champion Ashleigh Barty is returning to Melbourne Park for this year’s event to mentor local hope Olivia Gadecki, who received a wildcard for the season’s first Grand Slam. Former world number one Barty called time on her career last March, shortly after ending her country’s 44-year wait for a home champion at the Australian Open. “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 begin her Australian Open preparations at next week’s Hobart International. Last year, Gadecki did not partake in the Australian Open due to not being vaccinated against Covid-19, with local outlets reporting a “family influenced” decision to remain unvaccinated.