Tennis news 2023: Ash Barty on tennis comeback hopes, Simona Halep ban and motherhood

Retired Australian tennis ace Ash Barty has taken the bold step of throwing her considerable support behind a one-time rival who is now banned from the tour over a failed drug test.

As Ashleigh Barty prepares to launch a week celebrating a custom which brought her warmth and comfort on tour, she spared a thought for a “dear friend’’ banished from that world.

Barty is an ambassador for next week’s Australia Made week, a union she claims was “the easiest decision I have ever made’’ given her deep affection for all things Australia, from her home region Springfield, to Indigenous Australia, to the jars of Vegemite and local coffee beans she took on tour.

Barty retired from tennis at age 25 last year but many of her touring friendships remain strong including former world No.1 Simona Halep who has been provisionally suspended since returning a positive test to banned drug Roxadustat at last year’s US Open.

Ashleigh Barty (L) embraces Simona Halep after an exhibition game in 2021. Picture: Getty

Halep was aghast at the accusation and, much to her frustration, the hearing where she planned to defend herself has been repeatedly postponed and is yet to be heard.

“I love Simmo and I support her,’’ Barty told News Corp in her first public statement on the issue.

“She is a dear friend and I have spoken to her a little bit over the last 12 to 18 months. She is one of most respected players on tour.

“I cannot really comment what the process is. I just really hope she has a chance to have her say and – fingers crossed – do what she loves again.

Halep’s former coach Darren Cahill said Halep had “faultless integrity’’ and would triple check the legality of any treatment.

“You look at her actions and the way she conducted herself,’’ Barty said.

“She was incredibly fair and genuine. She played the game the right way.’’

Barty has opened up on motherhood and her thoughts on a tennis comeback. Picture: Supplied

AUSSIE TO HER BOOT STRAPS

WhenBarty talks about her liking of Australian made products it comes from someone who has walked the walk in a pair of Vegemite thongs.

The thongs, with a black sole and yellow straps, might never be sighted on fashion catwalks but were an essential touring item that gave Barty immense comfort.

“They are weird and quirky and I really liked them and they just worked for me on the road. They made me smile and were a real conversation starter.

“When the chance came up to work with Australia Made it if just felt like such a natural fit.

“I have always been an incredibly proud Aussie. I have never wanted to live anywhere else but here.

“When I was overseas I loved seeing Australia-made products and it was extra special when any of them had the green and gold Australia-made logo (now carried by 4000 local businesses). That’s when you really know you are supporting local producers and it’s the absolute best quality.

“It reminded me Australia is the best place in the world to live.’’

Ashleigh Barty with fellow Aussie tennis icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Picture: Getty

WHAT’S NEXT MUM?

Tennis is about to witness another generation of Super Mums.

Grand Slam winners Barty and Naomi Osaka expecting their first child, Serena Williams her second and Angelique Kerber recently welcoming her daughter Liana.

The intriguing question is who will return to the tour with Osaka and Kerber flagging their comebacks, Williams unsure while Barty seems as comfortable as ever with retirement.

“It (motherhood) was always something I wanted to do. Many athletes try and come back. I won’t be one of those,” Barty said.

“I will be happily at home with my family.’’

While Tennis Australia has announced its support of an Indigenous voice to parliament Barty’s focus has been providing opportunities for Indigenous youngsters.

“It’s (the Voice) an important discussion, that’s for sure,’’ Barty said.

“My focus continues to be on helping to provide opportunities for First Nations youth in sport and education through the Ash Barty Foundation. I’m about to take some time away to be a mum but supporting First Nations people will always be a priority for me.’’

Serena Williams has enjoyed grand slam success since become a mother. Picture: Getty

THE SLAMS

When Barty was ruling the world in tennis she was never obsessed about watching the game. Then something strange happened. She stopped playing and started watching.

“I have probably watched more tennis in the past year than I have in my life.’’

With her eye in, her thoughts on the looming French Open and Wimbledon’s are as relevant as ever.

“I would like to see a couple of young winners but the old staples just seem to do it time and again.

“There are definitely a few smokies in the men. You can never go past Novak (Djokovic) or Rafa (Nadal) if he is fit but you are seeing guys like (Carlos) Alcarez coming through. He hasn’t missed a beat since coming back from injury and Holger Rune might do some damage.’’

In the women’s French Open Barty said it was hard to go past world No.1 Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka and Poland’s visit to Brisbane for this year’s United Cup gave Swiatek a chance to talk to Barty face to face.

“We’ve always had really good relationship. We connected off the court with our love of books. I loved her team and practicing with her. I know she will be at her top for a very long time.’’