Konta: Barty is getting better and better

Defending Sydney International women’s champion Johanna Konta is impressed by the incredible rise of Australia young gun Ashleigh Barty.

Barty will continue her preparations for next week’s Australian Open when she begins her warm-up event in Homebush against qualifier Veronica Cepede Royg on Monday.

The nation’s highest-ranked tennis player enters the tournament under some pressure after a shock round-one exit at the Brisbane International last week.

However after a stunning 2017 campaign where she rapidly rose from world No. 271 to a career-high No.17 in the rankings, her opponents are beginning to take notice.

It comes two years after her well-documented stint as a professional cricketer.

“She’s a great player, Ashleigh. She’s been playing better and better,” Konta said.

“It was actually very impressive and quite incredible what she did last year, having not played for a bit of time and taking time away from the sport.

.@ashbar96 started 2017 ranked No.325.

Finishes 2017 as the top-ranked Aussie, inside the Top 20.

Bravo, Ash. https://t.co/to9Cv5lQct

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) November 4, 2017