She is now training at Marconi Tennis Centre for the big year ahead.

She has linked at the Bossley Park complex, which is run by coach Stewart Whicker.

Jeflea, 24, is the wife of one of Whicker's former proteges, David Jeflea.

She has a Women's Tennis Association world singles ranking of 430 and and 142 in doubles.

Jeflea said she would compete in singles and doubles at the 2012 Australian Open that started in Melbourne on Monday.

"It's great to be playing at the Australian Open," she said. "And I am looking forward to playing tennis again on the circuit."

Last year, Jeflea showed promise again, making the quarter-finals at a women's singles event at Port Pirie in South Australia.

And in July last year, she reached the doubles semi-finals at the $220,000 WTA tournament in Baku, Azerbaijani.

Whicker says Jeflea trains from four to five hours a day, six days a week.

Her husband David is her coach and trainer.