Aussie tennis legend Ash Barty set to make long-awaited return to the court

In news that will no doubt delight sports fans, tennis sensation Ash Barty is set to make her return to Wimbledon, stepping onto the court for the first time since announcing her retirement.

The 28-year-old three-time Grand Slam champion will make her return to the tennis court after the prestigious tennis tournament announced that she would be taking part in an invitational doubles match.

“Reunited with the #Wimbledon grass,” the tournament announced.

“Delighted to have our 2021 singles champion @ashbarty returning for this year’s Invitation Doubles.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon)

Unsurprisingly, fans were overjoyed at the news of Barty’s return and it didn’t take long before speculation began to arise regarding her possible permanent comeback to the sport.

“Love it!! WTA needs Ash back desperately,” one fan wrote.

“This is the best news.”

“The beginning of her comeback.”

“I really hope this is Ash dipping her toe back in the water… It would be great to have her back on the tour!!” another commented.

“Congratulations can’t wait to see you play.”

“Oh wow really look forward to hopefully see her play, have missed her wonderful talent.”

Barty sent shockwaves through the world of tennis when she announced her retirement from the sport at just 25 years old.

Alongside her former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, Barty took to Instagram to announce the move on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, telling fans “today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis.”

“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me,” she said at the time.

“I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)

Following her retirement, fans have been longing for her comeback to the sport. However, Barty has continuously denied a return to the court, instead focusing her time on motherhood.

“I won’t be one of them,” Barty recently told AAP, referring to the comebacks of fellow champions Naomi Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber.

“I miss parts of it, but mostly I miss seeing my mates.

“I miss seeing the girls that I’ve built such a relationship with over so many years, but a lot of my best mates have also retired now and they’re kind of moving on to their next chapters.

“We’ll still get out there and hit occasionally if anyone asks or any of my mates ask.”

While Barty acknowledges the occasional friendly match with mates, she insists that she is “enjoying” what she is doing now which is being a mother to her son Hayden.

“There’s nothing keeping me away. It’s not like I’m doing things to keep myself away from the court,” Barty said.

“I want be able to be there to raise Hayden and I want to be able to enjoy that.

“That’s what I want to do, plain and simple. That’s where my priorities lie now.

“I absolutely love being mum. There’s nothing else that I prefer to do.”