Ash Barty excited to be back playing tennis ahead of Australian Open despite Simona Halep defeat in Adelaide

Despite losing her comeback exhibition match, Ash Barty is buzzing as she travels to Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.

Romania’s world number two Simona Halep downed Barty 3-6 6-1 and then 10-8 in a super tiebreaker at Adelaide’s Memorial Drive on Friday night.

But Australia’s world number one couldn’t wipe a smile from her face despite the loss in her first competitive match in 11 months.

“It’s absolutely fantastic to be back, I genuinely missed it so much,” Barty said.

“I have been getting a little bit impatient…