“All exceptional competitors. All were at the very top of our sport.”

Barty and Kvitova’s paths crossed 10 times officially with Barty beating the two-time Wimbledon champion for the first time in Miami three years ago as part of her stand-out 2019 season when she secured the world No.1 ranking.

“Petra was a multiple grand slam champion,” Barty said.

“She was the first player that I felt dominated by time and time again when we’d play.

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“Five or six times in a row she’d got the better of me. Then working with ‘Tyzz’ [coach Craig Tyzzer] ... she was the first player where we really had to flip tactics and really try something different, and it worked.

“The way she was able to help and develop me as a player and change the way I approach matches was really pivotal in my career.

“What I loved about Petra the most is that in all our matches, no matter the result, she would give me a smile and a hug and our relationship never changed. That was a really special moment.

“She was very kind so me from when I was very young on the tour.

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“That is the exactly same with Caroline and Simona. Both of them are exceptional athletes and former world No.1s. At the very top of their game they knew how to make their opponent uncomfortable.

“I had the opportunity [but] I never beat Caroline. I felt like I was close but never quite got there.

“But the growth I had in those matches against her, tactically and as a person and match awareness was really important.”

Interestingly, Barty managed only one victory against two-time major winner Halep - in Sydney in 2019 - from four career meetings.

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“Simona has just been a very, very dear friend of mine. Our relationship off the court is more important than the matches on the court or the practises on the court.

“She has always been in my corner, always been someone who I felt I could talk to.

“In my eyes Simmo is a bit different. She’s always done things her way which I can really relate to, and I really respected that.

“On the court she is just a beast. And the way she can bring the best in herself over such a long career is just remarkable.”

Versus Simona Halep

Head to head: Barty 1, Halep 3

Versus Petra Kvitova

Head to head: Barty 5, Kvitova 5

Versus Caroline Wozniacki