World No.1 Ashleigh Barty has survived a first-set stumble to steam to an Australian Open first round win over Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko.

Barty responded in ruthless fashion after losing the first set, running away with a 5-7 6-1 6-1 victory at Rod Laver Arena.

The 23-year-old, who is bidding for her first title at Melbourne Park, was the only Australian to book a victory in a rain-interrupted day one.

Tsurenko put up a strong challenge given she’d hardly played in the past year due to an elbow injury, which saw her ranking slump from a career-high world No.23 to 120.

But Barty said she felt in control throughout the match despite the first set hiccup.

“I think in the first set, it was still in my control,” Barty told the Nine Network.

“I was just rushing a little bit, trying to finish off points too early.

“Once I was able to get my physicality into it, I felt a lot more comfortable and I think I was able to look after my service games a little better, and not get behind in the set which was important.

“At the start of the second set, I sharpened up and did what I needed to do.”

Barty’s fightback has become a trademark, last year racking up an unrivalled 13 victories from a set down en route to her No.1 status and French Open crown.

The Queenslander said it had been a tight turnaround after her Adelaide International triumph on Saturday, but she was eager to get back on Rod Laver Arena.

“This is probably the moment I have been looking forward to the most through the off-season,” Barty said.

“I couldn’t wait to walk out here on this beautiful court in front of so many people that give me such love and support.”