Barty relishing 'opportunity' to face returning Serena in Paris

PARIS, France - There are projections, and then there's reality.

So, when did Ashleigh Barty know officially that a second round date against Serena Williams at the French Open awaited her?

"As I got off court, I'm walking past and it's on the big screen. It's a bit hard to avoid," the No.17 seed told reporters on Tuesday after an opening win against Russia's Natalia Vikhlyantseva.

While Barty was securing just her second-ever main draw win at Roland Garros in five appearances - and first since her hiatus from the sport at the end of 2014 - Williams was making a much-anticipated Parisian return of her own.

The victories for these two comeback queens set up an intriguing clash in the round of 64, with a spot in the third round of the year's second major on the line.

"It's been a few years now [since we last played]," Barty said. "I think I'll have to use those experiences, both the good and the bad from that match, going into my next match. I think I'm in a very different place. I think Serena is also in a very different place."

The pair have played just once previously - also at a Grand Slam.

The similarities end there, however, as otherwise, it feels as though it took place a little more than a lifetime - rather than just four years - ago.

At just 17 years old, the wildcard Barty fell 6-2, 6-1 against the top-seeded American in the first round of the 2014 Australian Open.

By the end of that season, the teenager announced her intention to step away from professional tennis.

Playing her first Grand Slam tournament since the birth of her daughter in September, Williams was complimentary of a younger Australian counterpart who's authored a successful comeback of her own over the past 18 months after her break from the game.

"She's playing unbelievable, and she's had such an amazing year last year and this year, as well," the American said. "She's continuing her amazing rise since she came back and been so focused on tennis.

"It will be a really good, another good show for me. She does everything great. I'll be excited to go out and see what I can do."

The 22-year-old Barty has never reached the third round of the French Open, but a statement victory over the three-time champion would allow her to do just that - and reach the round of 32 for the third straight major. 

The Aussie No.1, ranked World No.76 at this time last year, also spoke openly about embracing the challenge of facing the 23-time Grand Slam champion and former World No.1 at a new stage in both of their careers. 

"You want to play the big names and you want to test yourself against the best," Barty said. "I think any opportunity you can do that is good."

"I think just what an opportunity. She's a genuine champion. What she's done to be able to get back...and a lot of the other girls who are coming back after pregnancy is a pretty amazing thing."

Barty and Williams are scheduled to face off in the final match of five scheduled for Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday. To see the full order of play, click here.