Ash Barty confirms her presence for the 2023 Australian Open, saying “I was always going to come back”
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Ashleigh Barty
Former Australian World No.1 Ash Barty who shocked the world this year by retiring from professional tennis at the age of 25 has stated that she is coming back to the Australian Open 2023 but not as a player. Barty has been assigned as the ambassador for the Marriott Bonvoy which is the official hotel partner of the Australian Open. The hotel is planning a loyalty program during the Open next year.
In an almost twisted way of telling, she stated that she never intended to run away and she always wanted to come back. As the tennis world was expecting very big news, she continued that she will be there but not as a player but doing some work in the background.
In her words, “I was never going to run away, I promise. I was always going to be back, it wasn’t something that the door was closed and never comes return.”
Continuing her train of thoughts on The Today Show, she reflected on the excitement of this new role, “No center court, I will be working in the background doing my thing, but I certainly will be enjoying it, like everyone else. I can’t wait, it’s scary to think it’s so close, it feels like a couple of sleep and it will be here. But I am certainly excited about 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“.
Very excited to be part of the team once again and to hit with some fans. It’s going to be fun, I think 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. Experience the culture, the different way the city buzzes.”
Ash Barty is having a busy post-retirement life
Ash Barty shocked the world on March 23,2022 by stating that she is retiring from tennis. Being ranked as the World No.1 tennis player while retiring, she stated in the announcement, “I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent“.
The huge news had kept the sports world crazy. Given her past experience as a cricketer and getting married to Garry Kissick, a Pro Golf player, a switch in sports was looked at by everyone. Barty has however chosen a different path altogether. Ash has partnered with Jasmi McGaughey and illustrator Jade Goodwin and released a series of children’s books titled ‘Little Ash’.
Ash Barty was also asked whether she is missing tennis now on The Today Show, She replied that with mixed emotions by saying that she misses a part of it. In her words, “Yes and no. There are certain parts of it that I miss, I miss testing myself against the world’s best, and I miss seeing my mates whom 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“.
Whether she is missing the tour or not, many of her fans are still lamenting over her absence and a possible rivalry with current World No.1 Iga Swiatek who had an incredible season.
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Vipul Payattuparambil
(552 Articles Published)