“I was always going to be back”: Ash Barty shares career news
Tennis champion Ash Barty has announced that she will be returning to the sport at next year’s Australian Open - but she won’t be returning as a player.
After she caused a stir when she hung up her racket earlier this year, the 26-year-old has rejected suggestions that she would be returning to her professional sport in the future.
Instead, Barty will be attending the Australian Open as an ambassador for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
“I was never going to run away, I promise. I was always going to be back,” she told the Today Show.
“It wasn't something that it was close the door and never come return.”
While she won’t be making an appearance on the centre court again, Barty said she will be “doing my thing” in the background.
“I certainly will be enjoying it, like everyone else,” she told the program.
“I can't wait, it's scary to think it's so close, it feels like a couple of sleeps and it will be here.
“But I am certainly excited for a big summer ... It's an incredible way to bring people to the Australian Open to help them experience it in just the most incredible fashion.”
Barty shared her excitement at attending the championship, saying it “will be a great way to bring people together”.
“Obviously Melbourne during the Australian Open is crazy for the players and now I am excited to actually see what it is like on the other side,” she said.
“Experience the culture, the different way the city buzzes.”
This year has been a busy one for the former World No.1, who married her long-term partner Garry Kissick, and released several books, including her memoir My Dream Time and Little Ash children’s book series with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.
“I'm not bored, I think this year obviously was very busy with all my book stuff and the memoir release, the Little Ash books which has been great,” Barty said.
“It's been a lot to take in. I think there was a part of me that was a little bit scared and fearful of how it would be received.
“But so far, so good.
“It's the first time that really my life, my thoughts, my biggest fears were on the page for people to read and judge and to take in.
“So many people cheered for me when I won, cried with me when I lost and now it was time to let them in and really enjoy the journey for what it was in all of its truths, some of it ugly, some brilliant, but for all that it was.”
When asked whether she missed tennis, Barty had a mixed answer.
“Yes and no. There are certainly parts of it that I miss,” she said.
“I miss testing myself against the world's best, I miss seeing my mates that I met from all corners of the globe.
“I'm certainly happy and I know that it was the right time for me, it was the right decision and certainly no regrets.”
Image: @ashbarty (Instagram)