Although Ash Barty is not taking to the court at the Australian Open this year, her presence is still being felt at Melbourne Park.
Barty – who won last year's Australian Open before shocking the tennis world with her retirement only months later – is mentoring Olivia Gadecki and the relationship is paying off handsomely for the young Australian.
The 199th-ranked Gadecki defeated Russian Polina Kudermetova 7-5, 6-1 in her major championship singles debut, the convincing victory thrilling the parochial crowd out on court eight.
Barty has spoken publicly about her admiration for 20-year-old Gadecki, who in turn has expressed her feelings about having the former world number one available as a sounding board.
Gadecki — who was awarded an Australian Open wildcard — revealed Barty was quick to contact her following her win over Kudermetova, a gesture she warmly appreciated.
"She [Barty] sent me a text after my match, which really meant a lot," Gadecki told reporters at Melbourne Park.
"But I'm sure everyone kind of knows she's always been in my corner, and I'm so lucky to have her.
"Whenever I need advice or anything, I'm always able to contact her."
'An amazing achievement'
With Barty enjoying retirement and Australian number one Ajla Tomljanović ruled out of the tournament because of a knee injury, local hopes are not high when it comes to the women's draw.
But Gadecki's breakthrough victory will no doubt inspire the Australian contingent and she is not ready for her Melbourne Park campaign to end in the second round when she meets Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.
"It's such a confidence booster, making the second round of a slam," Gadecki said.
"It's just an amazing achievement, but I definitely believe that I can do more, and I'm really looking forward to my next round."
Gadecki was not in contention to play last year's Australian Open due to her COVID-19 vaccination status.
She did not want to explain her stance in any great detail when questioned at her media conference on Monday, but admitted to a feeling of "relief" now the Australian Open's vaccination requirements have been relaxed.
"I knew what my decision entailed and I totally respect everyone's opinion and personal choice," Gadecki said.
"I'm just grateful to be here."
Gadecki's gratitude extended to the crowd support she received in her first-round win, describing the response from spectators as "amazing".
I feel like in the past I've kind of kept to myself a bit," she said.
"Today I just wanted to kind of let them in and really embrace the crowd. It's such a once-in-a-lifetime sort of moment.
"So I'm really thankful for the crowd. They got me over the line."
Talia Gibson was unable to join her countrywoman in the second round, however, with the wildcard falling to French qualifier Clara Burel 6-3, 6-4.
