Ash Barty’s heartwarming return to tennis makes kids’ dreams come true

Former world no.1 Ash Barty’s tennis comeback delights young fans, fulfilling dreams for a good cause

Ash Barty’s heartwarming return to tennis makes kids’ dreams come true

Ash Barty (Credits: Twitter)

In Newcastle, NSW, the champion of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon tennis tournaments Ash Barty organized the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival, bringing joy to over 140 Aboriginal children and making their dreams a reality. Ash Barty, the Australian grand slam champion who retired unexpectedly in March of last year, delighted a group of young tennis players by stepping onto the court on Thursday. Although she has not been seen playing tennis often since her retirement, her appearance on the court was a pleasant surprise for the young players.

The 26-year-old tennis icon, who announced her pregnancy in January, was actively involved with the young players despite being several months into her pregnancy. However, she remained resolute in her decision to retire from the game when the possibility of a comeback was discussed.

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‘I’m absolutely fulfilled, happy and content. I do have different things and different dreams and different ways that I’d love to contribute to community sports. My athletic days are over.’

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In January, Barty shared the joyful news of her pregnancy on Instagram through a photo of her Border Collie sitting beside a pair of baby shoes. In the caption accompanying her post, she expressed her excitement about the upcoming year of 2023 and her new adventure with her husband, Gary Kissick. She also hinted that it would be their best year yet.

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Iga Swiatek Reflects on Facing Ash Barty in Adelaide

Ash Barty and Iga Swiatek
Ash Barty and Iga Swiatek (Credits: Twitter)

In an interview, Iga Swiatek, the current World No.1 in women’s tennis, reflected on her match against Ash Barty in the semi-finals of the Adelaide International previous year, in which she lost 6-4, 6-2. Swiatek had also lost to Barty in a previous meeting in Madrid in 2021. Despite the defeats, Swiatek stated that the match against the Australian player gave her a lot of motivation. However, Barty surprised many by announcing her retirement from professional tennis in March at the young age of 26.

“I think we all need somebody who is going to push ourselves to the limit. It gave me a lot of motivation last season when I played against Ash Barty in Adelaide,” Swiatek said.

Following Ash Barty’s retirement from tennis, Iga Swiatek ascended to the top spot in the women’s tennis rankings and achieved the title of World No.1. She secured a victory in the French Open by defeating Coco Gauff in the final at Roland Garros. While Swiatek did not perform as well as expected in Wimbledon, she rebounded by winning the US Open and defeating Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in the final.

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