Ash Barty has set up a clash with world No.1 Angelique Kerber after making light work of her first match at the Brisbane International in three years on Monday.
Barty opened her 2017 campaign by defeating Serbian qualifier Aleksandra Krunic 6-2 6-2 in just 66 minutes on Pat Rafter Arena.
It means the 20-year-old will now face German Kerber in what shapes as the ultimate test of Barty’s professional tennis comeback.
Kerber lost last year’s final in Brisbane, but went on to win the Australian Open, US Open and collected an Olympic silver medal as she improved her world ranking by nine places.
Barty took a break from tennis in 2014, saying she fell out of love with the sport, and played cricket in the Women’s Big Bash League in 2015-16 for the Brisbane Heat.
She made a return to tennis last year before struggling with an arm injury. She is already the fifth-ranked Australian, though, and had no issues in disposing of Krunic, the world No.141.
“I have my best memories on this court,” Barty said. “It was nice to blow out a few cobwebs and come out finally after a long year last year. It’s just so good.”
The Pat Rafter Arena clash was briefly interrupted by a heavy storm in Brisbane, which forced the suspension of all remaining matches on outside courts.
One of those featured 16-year-old qualifier Destanee Aiava, who is poised to become the second Australian to progress to the second round of the women’s draw.
Aiava was ahead 2-6 6-3 3-0 (40-15) against American Bethanie Mattek-Sands before rain stopped play.