Two years is a long time in tennis.

The last time Ashleigh Barty played the Canadian Open in Toronto she had to force her way through the qualifiers.

But this week the reigning French Open champion arrived at the hardcourt event, which switches between Toronto and Montreal each year, with the world No.1 ranking and a first-round bye.

Barty will commence her 2019 campaign in Canada on Wednesday – her first singles match since Wimbledon – against world No.28 Sofia Kenin.

But the 23-year-old Barty said her astronomical rise to the top had not changed her outlook as she ramps up her preparations for the US Open later this month.

“It’s all part and parcel of what we do and the crazy ride that we’re on as tennis players,” the Australian told reporters in Toronto.

“Even though at the moment I’ve got the No.1 ranking and a grand slam title, I’m trying to go about my business in the exact same way.

“I’m trying to get better as a person and a player every day.

“I’m still extremely hungry and driven to try and progress and become better every day.”

Barty has a 3-0 record over Kenin but the 20-year-old American is in solid form with a fourth-round appearance in this year’s French Open and an opening round win over Su-Wei Hsieh in Toronto.

Australian Ajla Tomljanovic will face fellow qualifier Iga Swiatek with the winner to meet 2010 champion Caroline Wozniacki, who won through to the second round by beating Yulia Putintseva 6-4 6-2.

Meanwhile, it took less than 80 minutes for the first upset as Ukrainian teenager Dayana Yastremska beat British 13th seed Johanna Konta 6-3 6-2.

Hours later Daria Kasaktina fought back from a set down to send 12th-seeded Angelique Kerber packing 0-6 6-2 6-4.

Estonian 16th seed Anett Kontaveit accounted for five-time grand slam champion Maria Sharapova 4-6 6-3 6-4 while Belinda Benic and Elise Mertens were other seeded players to progress to the last 32.