Ngaragu champion Ash Barty will return to Melbourne Park for this year's Australian Open in support of rising Queensland prodigy Olivia Gadecki.

The former world number one and 2022 Australian Open singles winner will act as a mentor for the 20-year-old Queenslander, who was handed a wildcard entry to play in the season opening grand slam.

Barty's return to Melbourne Park follows her abrupt retirement from professional tennis last March after her Australian Open triumph only two months earlier.

The Queensland pair have years of experience, often training together on the Gold Coast with Barty helping the young star, who is currently positioned 7th in the Australian women's singles ranks transition from the amateur circuit to professional domain.

Speaking at the United Cup in Sydney, Gadecki praised the ongoing support she receives from the tree-time major winner.

"I've been really fortunate to always be able to contact her if I have any questions or if I need advice, she's always been there for me," Galecki said.

"The best part is she just treats me like a normal person and we can relate in that regard and off court is just as important as on court."

Gadecki burst onto the professional scene in 2021 after defeating 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin at the Phillip Island Trophy in 2021.

However she has since suffered a spate of injuries after sitting out the entire 2022 Australian season due to her COVID-19 vaccination status.

The former national junior champion said Barty's professionalism and experience of managing expectation from a young age has helped her in preparation for this year's Australian Open.

"Just her application. She's just really good at being consistent with everything she goes about," Gadecki said.

Gadecki will play at the Hobart international next week as a final tune-up for the Australian Open, which begins on 16 January.