Despite losing her comeback exhibition match, Ash Barty is buzzing as she travels to Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.
Romania's world No.2 Simona Halep downed Barty 3-6 6-1 and then 10-8 in a super tiebreaker at Adelaide's Memorial Drive on Friday night.
But Australia's world No.1 couldn't wipe a smile from her face despite the loss in her first competitive match in 11 months.
"It's absolutely fantastic to be back, I genuinely missed it so much," Barty said.
"I have been getting a little bit impatient the last two or three months, getting ready to play.
"And I'm so excited to get started next week. It was the perfect preparation.
"Obviously, I have trained over the last few months but nothing can replicate what we just did."
Barty will make her official return at a WTA Tour 500 event at Melbourne Park next week, before the Australian Open starting on February 8.
The Queenslander was unfazed at her renowned all-court skills being patchy against Halep.
"A little bit of execution, of course, that we would like to get right," she said.
"But I just enjoyed it so much. I think that is the most important thing ... I'm excited to get started.
"If it's not good next week, it might be the week after.
"And if it's not the next week after, I get another opportunity eventually.
"So just keep chipping away, trying to be the best that I can every day.
"But it's bloody good to be back."
