Former world number one, Ashleigh Barty, has garnered attention once again with the unexpected news of her return to Wimbledon. Despite retiring from professional tennis two years ago, the two-time Grand Slam winner has confirmed her participation in the exhibition doubles event at this year’s tournament, much to the delight of the tennis community.
Barty, who has not competed at the All England Club since her victory in 2021, surprised fans with her decision to join the BBC’s commentary team for Wimbledon. Shortly thereafter, she further stunned everyone by signing up for the invitational doubles event, alongside her compatriot and fellow Australian tennis player, Casey Dellacqua. The announcement was made by Wimbledon organizers on social media, generating a warm reception from fans and players alike.
In a recent interview on The AO Show Weekly, Dellacqua expressed her excitement about teaming up with Barty once again, referring to the duo as “the band back together”, showcasing their strong camaraderie both on and off the court. Despite both players transitioning into a new phase of life, marked by motherhood and other personal commitments, their shared passion for tennis has reunited them on the court for this special occasion.
Barty’s decision to return to Wimbledon in a non-competitive capacity has come as a surprise to many, especially considering her previous assertions about not commentating or playing professionally again. In a statement made in 2023, she firmly stated her lack of interest in returning to the professional circuit, citing time constraints and a desire to create new memories beyond her tennis career.
The unexpected turn of events in Barty’s post-retirement activities has caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, leading to speculations about what motivated her to take on these new roles. Whether it is the allure of revisiting a beloved tournament or simply a chance to reconnect with the sport in a different capacity, Barty’s Wimbledon comeback has certainly stirred up interest within the tennis community.
As the Grand Slam approaches, fans and commentators are eager to witness Barty’s return to Wimbledon, both as a member of the BBC broadcast team and as a participant in the exhibition doubles event. Regardless of the underlying reasons behind her surprising comeback, one thing is for certain – the tennis world will be eagerly anticipating the reunion of ‘the band’ at Wimbledon this year.