Australian tennis great Ash Barty speaks ahead of her Wimbledon return
Australian tennis great Ash Barty has returned to play at Wimbledon for the first time since winning the title.
The 28-year-old fulfilled her childhood dream at the All England Club in 2021 and retired after taking out the Australian Open in 2022.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Ash Barty speaks to Hugh Whitfeld ahead of Wimbledon return
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Barty will also return to the grand slam as a commentator before she joins the Invitational Doubles draw with close friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua.
It’s a decision the former world No.1 said was “very easy” to make.
“The tournament invites you to play on one of the best courts in the world and I get an opportunity to play with my best mate - who would say no?” she told 7NEWS Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfeld from Wimbledon on Monday.
“It was a strange feeling walking through the gates again because it wasn’t memories that came up - the forehands or backhands or serves or the match point, it was the emotions that came with that moment.
“It’ll always be a massive part of my life.”
When asked whether she would make a permanent return to the court any time soon, her answer was simple.
“Not for me, I’m very happy,” she said.
“I’ve had the most fulfilling journey in my career as a tennis player and now I’m just beginning that journey as a mum.”
Barty admitted she had only picked up a racquet less than a dozen times since her retirement more than two years ago and the birth of her son Hayden in July 2023.
“I’ve obviously been very busy with the next chapter of my life and have been loving every minute... but I’m excited to spend a bit of time on the court to try and just have some fun,” she said.
“So a bit rusty coming in but looking forward to it.”
Wimbledon’s Legends tournament is played in a round-robin format featuring eight pairs spread across two groups, with the two top-placed teams progressing to the final.
Each pair will share in a guaranteed £24,000 ($A45,800) payday with runners-up receiving an extra £4000 ($A7600), while the champions will receive a total of £35,000 ($A64,800).
Barty and Dellacqua made three grand slam finals together including the final at Wimbledon in 2013.
Originally published on 7NEWS
