Former world number Ashleigh Barty finally made a return to the tennis courts since becoming a mother. Barty welcomed her son, Hayden, earlier this year. It has been over a year since Barty retired from the sport, to focus on her family. Which is why it was special to see her holding a racket once again.
Barty has been married to Australian professional golfer Garry Kissick since last year. They have been in a relationship since 2017, announcing their engagement in 2021.
Barty returned to the tennis court for a fun time with the family. She can be seen working on her groundstrokes, with 3 children in tow. However, she later shared an adorable photo of her son clutching a tiny racket, as she cradled him in her arms.
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Fans showered Barty with love on this post. They absolutely adored the photo of baby Hayden holding the racket. Danish star Caroline Wozniacki too commented on the post.
Wozniacki had retired from tennis to expand her family. However, she finally made a comeback to tennis after almost four years. Wozniacki played at the Canadian Open, as fans embraced her return. It did not look like she had been away for so long.
There is a precedent for players who have returned since embracing motherhood. Wozniacki has done it herself. Therefore it is not too absurd to hope that one day Ashleigh Barty might return too. Tennis fans certainly want that.
Will Ashleigh Barty make a comeback to tennis?
When Barty retired from tennis, she left behind a void. Fans and peers alike have been clamoring for her to return to the courts soon. But will Ash make a comeback?
The former world number one revealed that she has no plans to return any time soon. She does not have much time to train or prepare and she has her hands full with the baby. “I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want, and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level anymore. I am spent,” she said (via Yahoo Sport).
“I hope she can change her mind.” ❤️@Ons_Jabeur hopes Ash Barty will make a return to tennis after the birth of her son Hayden 👶#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UwrR7ao1IC
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 5, 2023
However, Barty’s peer Ons Jabeur is hopeful she might come back one day. Jabeur was genuinely happy for Ashleigh, for giving birth to a beautiful baby boy. But Jabeur is holding on to the hope that she will draw inspiration from Wozniacki.
As of now, it is very clear Ashleigh Barty has no plans of making a grand return just yet. However, time changes people, so there might still be some hope.