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The women's Grand Slams were all won by different players for a
fifth straight year in 2021, while there were new champions at
the WTA Finals and the Tokyo Olympics.
"There's fresh challengers every year regardless of who is what
spot on the ranking list," Barty told reporters ahead of the
Adelaide International, one of the tune-up events for the
Australian Open.
"There were certainly a number of breakout years through 2021,
girls really stepped up, were able to play really consistent
seasons which is exciting to see for the women's game.
"Genuinely there is really good depth and you have to bring your
best time and time again to be able to compete with everyone and
give yourself a chance to win the big titles."
Barty also stressed the importance of playing in tune-up
competitions early in the season after the 25-year-old opted out
of the WTA Finals and the Billie Jean King Cup towards the end
of 2021.
"It's a different beast. You just need to enjoy that and work
your way through it in the first couple weeks because not often
are you playing your very best tennis right at the start," Barty
said.
"I'm looking forward to that challenge starting here in Adelaide
of trying to find my groove, really enjoy being out on the match
court again."
Barty received a bye to the second round of the $848,000 event.
The Australian Open begins in Melbourne on Jan. 17.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter
Rutherford)
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