Ash Barty ‘ready to go’ ahead of Australian Open following lengthy break during coronavirus pandemic

World number one Ash Barty says she is undaunted by the challenge of playing at the Australian Open after almost a year away from the WTA Tour.

Unlike most players, Barty sat out almost the entire 2020 season, even skipping her French Open title defence while prioritising her health over trophies during the coronavirus pandemic.

Her most recent WTA Tour appearance was at the Qatar Open last February, where she lost in the semi-finals to Petra Kvitova.

Barty said she does not think she would be playing catch-up during her…