Tennis legend Ash Barty set to return to the court for ‘Match in the Mall’
In what will surely comes as a welcome surprise to die hard tennis fans, Ash Barty is set to make her return to the court in a special exhibition match as part of the Australian Open.
The recently retired tennis star will compete at the Myer and Mastercard’s ‘Match in the Mall’ event alongside Jim Courier, Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua on Sunday, January 29.
Myer Chief Customer Officer Geoff Ikin told The Herald Sun that “it’s extremely exciting to have Ash participating with a host of other tennis legends including Alicia, Casey and Jim and more to come.”
“Our partnership with Mastercard has meant that this event will have some fantastic Australian and international superstars, which will be a real treat for people in Bourke Street,” Ikin told the publication.
“Our main objective is to bring fun and footfall back to the city, and with tennis fever alive it gives us the perfect opportunity to partner with Mastercard to close off the summer of tennis in style.
“Like the Christmas windows, we are committed to bringing fun and exciting experiences back into the store.”
Barty’s appearance at the event will mark the first time the 26 year old has returned to the court to compete since announcing retirement in March 2022.
Barty sent shockwaves through the world of tennis when she took to Instagram earlier last year to announce to her adoring fans that she was stepping away from the sport.
Alongside her former doubles partner, Casey Dellacqua, the former World No.1 told 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. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled,” she said at the time.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, I’ll always be grateful for the lifelong memories that we created together.”
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Since announcing her retirement, Barty has showed no signs of slowing down as she continues to rack up a number of impressive achievements.
Since stepping off the court, Barty claimed victory in a golf tournament at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club and in July 2022 married long-time beau Garry Kissick, surprising fans with a photo of the secret ceremony.
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More recently Barty shared the exciting news that she is expecting a baby with her husband Garry Kissick.
The former World No. 1 took to Instagram on Friday, January 6 to share her excitement with the world regarding the upcoming arrival, sharing a photo of a pair of baby shoes placed next to one of her dogs.
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“2023 set to be the best year yet. We are so excited for our new adventure. Origi already the protective big sister,” she wrote alongside the photo.
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