Ash Barty secures late wildcard to headline Adelaide International tennis event

World number one Ash Barty has been granted a late wildcard to the Adelaide International, after her shock loss in the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Barty is the defending champion at the Adelaide WTA event, which begins on Monday.

In a statement on the tournament’s website, Barty said she felt “grateful to get another week playing in front of Australian fans”.

“I am looking forward to coming back to Adelaide and having the opportunity to defend my title,” Barty said.

The top-ranked women’s tennis player bowed out of the Australian Open on Wednesday,…