Tennis 2022: Ash Barty becomes open book to tell her true story with uncanny perfect memory

Ash Barty’s incredible journey to the summit of world tennis was not without its stumbling blocks. One early exit has been referred to as a pivotal moment in her career resurgence.

Ash Barty has given a subtle salute to her Indigenous heritage in naming her autobiography, which will unmask a hidden skill that drove her to greatness.

News Corp can today reveal the cover of the memoir titled My Dream Time which will be released later this year by HarperCollins.

Barty, a three-time Grand Slam winner who shocked the world by retiring in March, is working on the final draft in consultation with writers Leo Schlink and Konrad Marshall.

Schlink, a former News Corp tennis correspondent, has known Barty since her early teens but says he was still taken aback during the extensive interview process by her extraordinary recall of matches.

“It was a privilege to do the book and Ash’s ability to remember the finest detail from matches she played was one thing that really struck me,’’ Schlink said.

Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Ash Barty has the incredible ability to recall the finest details from matches she played around the world. Picture: Nic Morley

“Honestly, it was remarkable. If people think they knew everything about her they will be stunned by the recall she has.

“It was not just matches, but the type of spin she put on the ball on crucial points. It was quite incredible really.’’

But Barty’s on-court deeds are only a fraction of her story which involves her burning out and taking a break from the sport to play cricket — then returning to conquer the world.

Barty, a Ngarigo woman, chose the My Dream Time title herself. In Indigenous culture, Dreamtime is the foundation of rich storytelling and while the book title separates the words “Dream’’ and “Time’’ it still encapsulates her heritage and her story.

The 26-year-old acknowledges parts of the memoir sessions were highly emotional as she stripped back the layers of her unique journey.

The cover of Ash Barty's memoir My Dream Time.

One of the Little Ash children’s storybook series.

“Although I’m only young, sharing my story is important to me,’’ Barty said.

“I found the process of telling my story for the book emotional, challenging and rewarding.

“I’m thankful to Leo and Konrad for guiding me through the process. The book is about my journey to be the best I could be, not just as a tennis player but the best person too.

“It’s about achieving my dreams and the people that helped me along the way. I hope that people will enjoy reading it and my journey may inspire a young boy or girl to go after their dreams.’’

Ash Barty in action during the Australian Open women’s singles final on Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Mark Stewart

Barty has had a busy few months since retirement — releasing her Little Ash children’s storybook series, getting married to sweetheart Garry Kissick and travelling the overseas to play golf, all while finishing off My Dream Time.

Avid tennis followers will be interested to see her reflections, not simply on her three Grand Slam triumphs but matches which shaped her — such as a surprise third-round Wimbledon loss in 2018 to Russian Daria Kasatkina, when Barty made a flying start but then lost the game after a stream of unforced errors.

Many commentators have suggested that the jolting loss was a catalyst for her to bound to the top of the tennis tree and her insights into this pivotal moment promise to be compelling.

My Dream Time by Ash Barty will be published by HarperCollins in November and is available to pre-order now.

Originally published as Tennis 2022: Ash Barty becomes open book to tell her true story with uncanny perfect memory