Ash Barty makes quiet return to tennis days after dropping big news
Aussie champ Ash Barty has made a low-key return to tennis just days after her big news that sent fans into a spin.
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Aussie champ Ash Barty has made a low-key return to tennis just days after her pregnancy news sent fans into a spin.
The former Aussie Open winner stepped back on court at the Brisbane International on Sunday, giving fans a taste of what they have desperately missed since the 28-year-old’s shock retirement in 2022.
The three-time grand slam champ has made only rare appearances on court at tournaments in recent years — and her mixed doubles match against Aussie legend Pat Rafter on Sunday was a treat for many.
Her return to the court comes after the tennis queen announced she and husband Gary Kissick are expecting their second child.
However, on Sunday it was all about Barty being back on the court.
Barty took to Pat Rafter Arena on Sunday alongside American star Frances Tiafoe in a mixed doubles match against fellow Queenslander Rafter and fan favourite Ons Jabeur.
The crowd was very much entertained.
“It’s nice to be back out here, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day,” she said.
She was still all smiles as the match progressed in the Brisbane heat.
“A bit sweatier than I’d hoped,” Barty said after the third game of the exhibition match.
“It’s nice to be back out here, a beautiful court with good friends. It’s a good day.”
Barty has been on the ground at the event through her work for the Ash Barty Foundation.
She made plenty of dreams come true when she presented ball kids with the caps that they are wearing at this year’s tournament.
“Had a fun morning presenting the Brisbane International Ballkids with their hats,” Barty earlier said.
“These boys and girls play such an important role for players and tournaments and I’m super proud to be supporting them through my foundation.”
American Tiafoe spoke to the crowd about why he decided to get involved.
“What an unbelievable cause Ash is doing, giving back to the kids,” Tiafoe said.
“It’s incredible, I’m a big fan of her and her game and what she did, what a legend. It was an honour to be a part of it today, and meet the legend Pat Rafter.”
Barty recently revealed her biggest regret about ending her career so abruptly at the age of 25.
Unfortunately for fans, it doesn’t mean she is about to return to professional tennis.
Her retirement announcement came just months after she won the Australian Open and left fans around the world in disbelief.
Watching Rafael Nadal’s retirement this year, Barty admitted she regrets how her own career ended.
Nadal put the racquet down in tear-jerking scenes as the 22-time grand slam champion waved goodbye as Spain were defeated by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup last month.
Like Nadal, Barty had hoped to bid farewell while representing Australia one final time in a qualifying tie for the Billie Jean King Cup in April, 2022.
It wasn’t to be however with the tournament being completely changed in the wake of Russia’s widely-condemned invasion of Ukraine.
Barty said in an interview with Code Sports that Nadal lived out her dream scenario of walking away.
“I love Rafa,” she said.
“I liked the way Rafa retired. He wanted to represent Spain in a team environment. That was my dream. I wanted to retire representing Australia at a Fed Cup tie in Brisbane which did not eventuate. I know that feeling of celebrating your career with the people you love.”
Right now, Barty — and Kissick — have bigger things on their minds.
The couple shared their special baby news in an adorable Instagram post last week with a sneaky photo that showed their son Hayden was about to get a younger sibling.
“Merry Christmas from our growing family to yours,” Kissick posted alongside a photo of Hayden in front of a Christmas tree.
But a surprise was hiding in the photo with the little toddler wearing a shirt with the note: “I’m going to be a big brother.”
The baby news drew plenty of congratulatory messages from friends and fans.
“What???!! OMG congrats beauty,” comedian and writer Tanya Hennessy wrote.
Seven-time Olympic medallist Libby Trickett also chimed in: “Ahhh congratulations! The most wonderful news.”
Aussie tennis star Lizette Cabrera added: “OMG!!! Congrats guys.”
Barty, a three-time grand slam champion, gave birth to Hayden in July 2023.
His arrival was also announced on Instagram where the pair wrote: “Our beautiful boy. Welcome to the world, Hayden!”
Apart from tennis, Barty is also very handy at cricket and golf, and met her husband Garry while playing a round on the links.
Barty will also return to Melbourne Park for a special promotional event set to take place during the Australian Open when the event begins on January 12.
Originally published as Ash Barty makes quiet return to tennis days after dropping big news
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