Australian Open 2020 live updates - Ash Barty beats Lesia Tsurenko in three sets

Barty came into the match as top seed, world No. 1 and having produced career-best performances in all four Grand Slams across 2019, but it was an uncertain start against her Ukrainian opponent.

Tsurenko shocked the home crowd on Rod Laver Area when the world number 120 claimed the opening set 7-5 and threatened to produce a major upset on day one in Melbourne.

She couldn’t maintain her standards though and amid a flurry of unforced errors, Barty fought her way back into the match to see out the second set 6-1.

The onslaught continued in the third set as Barty raced out to a 4-0 lead. Tsurenko offered a modicum of resistance but Barty closed the match out with little trouble.

"It’s all good," said Barty.

"Absolutely incredible. This is probably the moment I’ve been looking forward to the most through the off-season. I couldn’t wait to walk out here on this beautiful court to play in front of so many people that give me so much love and support. It’s incredible.

"In the first set, it was still in my control, it was just a little bit of execution and I was just rushing a little bit, trying to finish off points too early. Once I got my physicality into it, I felt a lot more comfortable and I was able to look after my service games a little better and not get behind in the set, which was important."