Ash Barty gets tough draw in her home Brisbane tournament

. 1-ranked Ashleigh Barty will begin new year with a tough draw at Brisbane International. She's one of six Grand Slam champions in her half of draw. re are three ors her quarter at her home tournament.

Defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka, who is on or side of draw, has a first-round match against Maria Sakkari.

Barty will have a first-round bye before a potential second-round match against five-time major winner and wild-card entry Maria Sharapova, who plays a qualifier in first round.

Barty won both her matches against Sharapova in 2019, including in Australian Open's fourth round.

If Barty reaches quarterfinals, French Open champion could take on eir 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens or two-time Wimbledon champion and fifth-seeded Petra Kvitova. Three-time major winner Angelique Kerber and 2011 U.S. Open champion Sam Stosur, who are also in Barty's half of draw, meet in first round.

draw was me on Saturday when Kiki Bertens, who will play doubles with Barty in Brisbane, said WTA Finals champion seems to be enjoying life at top.

"I was impressed (by her rise) but, for me, it was t a surprise," Bertens said of Barty. "I think she is handling it all well. And she is a nice person as well. I think she is best player at this moment and she is having a really good time."