Ash Barty’s Australian Open role FINALLY revealed thanks to tennis prodigy Olivia Gadecki

She may not be defending her title, but Ash Barty will return to Melbourne Park this month as a mentor to another tennis super talent with her own big Australian Open dreams.

Barty revealed in November that he would return to the scene of his momentous 2022 Open triumph, but declined to reveal what role he would play, only ruling out joining the commentary ranks.

She may not be defending her title, but Ash Barty (pictured) will return to Melbourne Park this month as a mentor to another tennis super talent with big Australian Open dreams of her own.

Queensland prodigy Olivia Gadecki (pictured) is delighted to report that the retired superstar will be in her corner for the 20-year-old’s long-awaited Open debut.

But fellow Queensland prodigy Olivia Gadecki is delighted to report that the retired superstar will be in her corner for the 20-year-old’s highly-anticipated Open debut after receiving a wild-card entry into the season’s first Grand Slam. .

Barty has been a mentor to Gadecki for several years, the pair often get together on the Gold Coast and she is committed to helping her fellow in-state make a successful transition into the professional ranks.

“I’ve been very lucky to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice, she’s always been there for me,” Gadecki told the AAP at the United Cup in Sydney.

Barty (pictured) has been a mentor to Gadecki for several years, the pair often get together on the Gold Coast and is committed to helping their fellow in-state make a successful transition into the professional ranks.

“The best part is that she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate to each other in that way and off the court it’s just as important as it is on the court.”

In addition to drawing on Barty’s vast experience of dealing with the pressure of expectations from a young age, the former junior national champion says the three-time Grand Slam winner’s professionalism is unrivaled.

Just your request. She’s really good at being consistent with everything she does,” Gadecki said.

Gadecki’s Open debut comes a year after he sat out Australia’s summer 2022 campaign after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Gadecki’s Open debut comes a year after he sat out Australia’s summer 2022 campaign after refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

That decision came after an unranked Gadecki burst onto the international stage with a win over 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin at the 2021 Phillip Island Trophy event at Melbourne Park.

Gadecki backed up that surprise upset win with a rapid rise up the ranks under esteemed trainer David Taylor, a longtime ally of Samantha Stosur and mentor to such greats as Martina Hingis and Naomi Osaka.

But he doesn’t regret his decision not to get vaccinated, which also cost Gadecki financially.

Barty appears in action at the 2022 Australian Open

“Look, I knew what my decision entailed and I concentrated on doing the best I could with what I have and trying to play the rest of the year,” said the now world number 202, who has a week in a new coaching association. with Des Tyson.

‘Last year was a bit tough with injuries. I’ve been struggling a bit for the last five or six months.

“I had my left hand and ankle done, but it’s a long journey and a year (of interruptions) won’t make a big difference. I’m looking at the positives.

“I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to play the main draw at the Australian Open, which has been a dream of mine since a very young age.

Gadecki (pictured) says playing at the Australian Open has been a dream since he was young

“I know I can play at the highest level, but I’m just looking at all the little things I have to do right to get there.”

“I’m just looking to enjoy the experience and hopefully get a couple of games under my belt.”

Gadecki will complete his open preparations at next week’s Hobart International.