Former world No.1 and Australian tennis star, Ash Barty, has announced her return to the Wimbledon courts for an invitational doubles match. This surprising news comes after Barty’s retirement in 2022, following a successful career that saw her clinch the women’s singles title at Wimbledon in 2021.
The 28-year-old tennis sensation, who has since become a mother and got married, will be stepping onto the grass courts at Wimbledon once again. Grand Slam officials have expressed their delight at having Barty back on the prestigious courts, highlighting her previous victory and her significant impact on the sport.
Scheduled for Tuesday, July 9 (UK time), the invitational event will feature women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles matches. Barty’s participation has generated widespread excitement among fans and the tennis community, as they eagerly anticipate her return to the sport.
Following her retirement, Barty had pursued other sporting activities, including a golf event in New Zealand. While she had initially stated that she had no intentions of returning to professional tennis full-time, her decision to join the invitational doubles match at Wimbledon has surprised many and reignited interest in her future in the sport.
Barty’s previous achievements in tennis include her remarkable victory at Wimbledon in 2021, ending Australia’s 41-year drought at the prestigious tournament. She also made history by becoming the first Australian woman in 46 years to win the French Open in 2019, followed by claiming the Australian Open in 2022, before retiring as the world No.1.
Since her departure from the sport, the presence of Australian female tennis players at major tournaments has been limited, making Barty’s return to Wimbledon all the more significant. Her decision to participate in the doubles match has sparked hope for fans and tennis enthusiasts who are eager to see her back competing at the highest level.
While Barty’s return has sparked widespread interest, it is important to recognize the resilience of other Australian female players, including Daria Saville, Arina Rodionova, and Ajla Tomljanovic, who have continued to represent their country on the international stage. Despite the challenges, these athletes have upheld the Australian tennis legacy and made significant strides in their respective careers.
As Barty prepares to make her comeback at Wimbledon, the tennis world eagerly awaits her performance and looks forward to witnessing the impact of her return to the court. Her decision to participate in the invitational doubles match marks a significant moment in her post-retirement journey, sparking enthusiasm and anticipation for the future of Australian tennis on the global stage.