Ash Barty built on her run to the Sydney International final to spark her Australian Open 2019 campaign into life with a 6-2 6-2 victory over world No.67 Luksika Kumkhum on Monday evening.
The home favourite succumbed to Petra Kvitova in an enthralling 1-6 7-5 7-6(3) Sydney finale on Saturday, but didn’t appear to be feeling the effects of that gruelling two-hour-and-19-minute contest at Margaret Court Arena just two days later.
“We’ve split the last two times we’ve played, so I knew I had to be ready,” said Barty. “It took a little while to get going. A couple slow games at the start. Once I got moving and into the rhythm of things, obviously it's a little bit different conditions from here as it is to Sydney, felt like I was comfortable.
“I served well, was able to get into return games really well, which is always a positive for me. When I can control the ball off the first shot after serve and return, especially with my forehand, that's when I'm in control most matches. I’m happy I came through that in pretty straight-forward fashion.”
Kumkhum capitalised upon some loose early errors to lead 2-0, but Barty swiftly clicked into gear, and a brace of cannonball forehand winners sent the contest level.
A hold to love for 4-2 proved the 15th seed was feeling confident in her game, and an ace on set point chalked up six games in a row for the leading Aussie to clinch a rapid 6-2 opener.
Kumkhum’s all-court variety kept Barty at bay until 2-2 in the second set. The Thai fended off two break points, but could only observe as a hooked cross-court forehand winner from her opponent’s racquet flew past her reach.
Barty, who reached the third round at Melbourne Park back in 2017 and 2018, kept command to book a second round facing Wang Yafan.
The world No.65 enjoyed a 6-4 6-0 win over Australian youngster Ellen Perez earlier on Monday.
The 22-year-old thrived in front of a vocal home support, which included the yellow-shirted Barty Party group, but is eager to quell the expectations.
“I just want to come out here to enjoy it. I just want to make sure I’m as ready as possible, prepare in the right way, so that I can play with freedom and enjoy,” declared the world No.15.
“I want to keep winning matches for myself, my team and every single person sitting here in this stadium.
“There’s a very long way to go, so I’ll think ‘why not me?’ on Wednesday first and then we can work from there.”
Eight singles victories boosted the Australian ranks on Monday at their home Grand Slam and Barty was thrilled to keep tabs on the success of her compatriots.
“I was aware of it, absolutely. Especially on the female side, there's a few young Aussies that got a win today. Really exciting. Particularly a couple of Queenslanders that I train with often. Really excited for them. I think it's shown the depth that is in Australian tennis on the female side,” revealed the top-ranked Australian.
“Those players at the moment are outside the top 100, between 100, 300 in the world, but they're absolutely scratching the surface. I don't think it will be long before they're breaking through that ceiling. That was on its way today.”