‘I’ve been waiting for this day to come’: Ash Barty reveals latest ‘exciting’ endeavour

Australian tennis sensation Ash Barty has embarked on a new chapter in her remarkable career with the launch of her latest endeavour, the Ash Barty Foundation.

During an appearance at the historic Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club on Monday, January 15, the 27-year-old three-time Grand Slam winner shared that she is eager to inspire communities and young people through her latest philanthropic effort.

“I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this day to come, to finally launch my foundation with my team,” she told reporters, as per 7News. 

“Our purpose is to provide opportunity to young boys and girls through sport and education — two of my biggest passion pieces. Now, being able to bring it all together is really exciting.”

After stepping away from her highly successful tennis career in 2022 and welcoming her first child last year, Barty is showing no signs of slowing down as she revealed her excitement to devote her time “in a positive way and give back to the sport that gave me so much”.

“A big part of my growing and learning as an athlete was being able to be surrounded by such good people that provided me with so much opportunity,” Barty said.

“I feel like now I’m excited that I get to do that; I get to commit my time in a positive way and give back to the sport that gave me so much — and extend that into education as well, and into different sports.

“It’s nice now that we’re finally here. It’s been a lot of work, it’s absolutely worth the wait, and I can’t wait to kickstart.”

Barty hopes to “help as many young Australians as possible” through her foundation.

“I don’t want to put a goal or an expectation or a ceiling on where we go. To be honest, I’m not sure where we’ll end up yet,” she explained.

“It’s about the journey, it’s about growing and doing the best that we can. We’re all very new to this — my team, my family, the team in the AB Foundation — so it’s all exciting for us, it’s all new. And I think we have the energy, we have the desire to do as well as we can, and that’s all we can ask.

“So, I know it’s (the money) going to be used in the most positive way in areas that are close to my heart, and communities and areas that need the opportunities to grow.

“(We want to) provide racquets and courts and upgrades to facilities.

“We’ve done plenty of work with the state government of Queensland as well to be able to touch on those education pieces, particularly up in north Queensland.

“So, there’s plenty of opportunity for us and, to be honest, it’s something that I just want to be able to spread as wide and far (as possible), and just make sure that it’s used in the right way, and used to have a positive impact on as many young Aussies as we can.”

While all eyes are now on Barty as the excitement grows for her latest project, it was a little bundle of joy, her baby boy Hayden, who stole the show recently during an appearance at the Brisbane International.

Seated among the spectators at Pat Rafter Arena during the men’s singles showdown between Sebastian Korda and Yannick Hanfmann on Tuesday, January 2, Barty shared the moment with her mother, Josie, while cradling her six-month-old bundle of joy.

In a delightful scene, Hayden amused himself by gnawing on a water bottle cap, all the while seemingly engrossed in the on-court excitement.

Team Barty in the house today 🥹 🧡 @ashbarty pic.twitter.com/cs2IEJYvws

— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) January 2, 2024

Barty and baby Hayden’s public outing left fans delighted, many overjoyed to catch a rare glimpse of the “cute” youngster.