Ash Barty to play on Bourke Street Mall tennis court near Myer

In her first proper return to the court since retirement, Ash Barty will play a special match in the middle of Melbourne’s iconic shopping precinct.

Ash Barty will return to the court to play at Bourke St Mall. Picture: Getty

A unique Australian Open celebration will literally stop traffic on Bourke St mall.

A full scale tennis court is being installed next Sunday with tennis champions Ash Barty, Jim Courier, Alicia Molik and Casey Dellacqua to play a ‘Match in the Mall’ ahead of the men’s final.

The fun and fast-paced Myer and Mastercard event will feature Myer ambassador Kris Smith as MC with American former world no. 1 Courier commentating when he’s not part of the doubles.

It will be Barty’s first proper return to the court since she retired and since recently announcing she’s pregnant with her first child.

Myer Chief Customer Officer Geoff Ikin said: “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.

“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.

“Like the Christmas windows, we are committed to bringing fun and exciting experiences back into the store.”

Molik said: “Tennis has the power to bring people together. Mastercard and Myer have created this priceless experience for locals to give everyone in Melbourne the chance to feel a part of the finals. Come down and see me and have some fun.”

Entry to the experience requires a free ticket which can be accessed at Sproutix. It will also be streamed live on Myer’s Facebook page.

Originally published as Ash Barty to play on Bourke Street Mall tennis court near Myer