Tennis ace to make Australian Open debut

Barnett - who attended Stroud High School - is due to compete with playing partner Olivia Nicholls in the first round of the women’s doubles against Czech duo Markéta Vondroušová and Miriam Kolodziejová.

This will be Barnett’s first match in the Grand Slam event following appearances at both Wimbledon and the US Open.

Last year the 28-year-old - also known as Lissey - alongside mixed doubles partner Jonny O’Mara knocked out superstars Venus Williams and Jamie Murray in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon.

Following this she also becomes Britain’s number one in women’s doubles.

Her ‘incredible 2022 continued after the Team Bath Tennis ace was added to the Great Britain team for the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, which took place in November.

It’s an honour to represent my country and I’m so excited my first Billie Jean King Cup is going to be in Britain,” said Barnett.

“I had big dreams as a little kid and now I’m out here living those dreams, so this is a really special moment.”

In July she also opened up about the pressures of playing Wimbledon while on her period. 

Speaking with the PA news agency Barnett said suffering with a “really heavy” period impacted her play in the qualifying matches for the Championships.

When asked whether the all-white dress code should be amended to alleviate stress on female players, she said: “I do think some traditions could be changed.”

“I, for one, am a massive advocate for women’s rights and I think having this discussion is just amazing, that people are now talking about it.

“Personally, I love the tradition of all-whites and I think we will handle it pretty well.

“I think being on your period on the tour is hard enough, but to wear whites as well isn’t easy.

“But girls can handle it.

“We’re pretty tough when it comes down to it.”

Barnett said she hoped the taboo around periods will continue to be worn down by players increasingly speaking about it.