Melbourne VIC, Australia, 8 February 2016 | tennis.com.au

Alicia Molik
Australian Fed Cup captain and former world No.8

“It’s a very exciting time for Ash. She’s managed a break from the sport and her return on her terms and I really respect that, it’s a very mature approach.”

Casey Dellacqua
Doubles world No.3 and Barty’s regular partner

“Obviously Ash and I had some great success and we are good friends. I’m looking forward to having her around the tour and having the chance to play with her again.”

Sam Stosur
2011 US Open champion and world No.27

“I think it’s great that Ash wants to play tennis again. She’s now older and has a better perspective on what she wants to do and where she wants to be. To have her back is really exciting. She’s obviously missed it – playing tennis is something she loves to do. We all look forward to having her back and seeing where this next stage of her career takes her.”

Kimberly Birrell
Australian Open 2014 junior semifinalist

“It’s awesome for all the younger girls coming up to have Ash back. She was doing so well at such a young age and I always looked up to her. It must have taken a lot of courage to step away and take a break when it wasn’t working for her and it’s exciting to have her back.”