Casey Dellacqua and Ash Barty will rekindle one of Australia’s most successful female doubles partnerships when they take to the court in next weeks Port Pirie Tennis International.
The pair, who have made three Grand Slam Finals and won two WTA titles together, last partnered in 2014 before Barty announced she was taking an indefinite break from the game.
“To have Ash and Casey back playing tennis is fantastic and we’re especially excited to see them pair up here in Port Pirie,” said local organiser Neil Lucas.
“Casey won the singles event here a few years ago so she will be welcomed back with open arms and we’re also looking forward to watching Ash Barty on her comeback.”
Since playing together last, the duo have taken vastly different paths.
Dellacqua has progressed to the number three ranked player in the world after reaching the final of the French Open and US Open last year, while Barty tried her hand at cricket, playing for Brisbane in the Women’s Big Bash League.
Earlier this year Barty announced she was making her return to tennis and Port Pirie will be the third tournament in her comeback.
Emageo Group’s Dellacqua is on a comeback trail of her own.
The veteran West Australian returns to the tour after four months off with a serious concussion injury. She began her return to action in fine style earlier this month, partnering Sam Stosur to help Australia defeat Slovakia in the Fed Cup.
Dellacqua will use the ITF tournament to build on her match fitness before launching her return to the WTA Tour.
After the Port Pirie tournament, Dellacqua will hit the grass of Mildura before heading to the United States to tackle Indian Wells and Miami.