Australian tennis legend Ash Barty will once again grace Wimbledon’s famous grass courts after earning a place in the invitational doubles draw.
The 28-year-old fulfilled her childhood dream of winning the All England Club in 2021, but she never defended her title after deciding to retire after winning the 2022 Australian Open title.
Just last month it was confirmed Barty will return to Wimbledon as a commentator – and it has already been revealed that she will also be returning to the court.
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“I’ve reunited with Wimbledon grass,” Wimbledon announced.
“I am delighted that our 2021 singles champion Ash Barty is back for this year’s invitational doubles event.”
Barty gave birth to her first child, son Hayden, in July 2023.
Just months later, she shared pictures of himself hitting a tennis court but the former world No. 1 instead returned to competitive sport by competing in a professional golf tournament in New Zealand.
Barty has been hanging around tennis over the summer as a spectator while also revealing his foundation.
She insisted she will not join her mothers Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina in returning to tennis.
“I miss parts of it, but mostly I miss seeing my friends,” Barty said.
“I miss seeing the girls that I’ve built such a bond with over so many years, but a lot of my best friends have also retired now and are kind of moving on to their next chapters.
“We’ll still go out there and hit every now and then if somebody asks or one of my friends asks. But no, I’m enjoying what I’m doing now.”
Although she’s been so busy with her foundation that she’s been kept off the golf course, Barty said nothing in particular has kept her away from tennis.
Except her son.
“It’s not like I’m doing things to stay off the court,” Barty said.
“I want to be able to be there to raise Hayden and I want to be able to enjoy it.
“That’s what I want to do, plain and simple. That’s where my priorities are now.
“I really love being a mother. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
– with AAP
