Ash Barty reveals next career move amid Australian Open appearance

Ash Barty walked away from tennis at the peak of her powers and many have since speculated if she will return to the courts but the Aussie sporting great reiterated she has no plan to do so. On Monday, Barty announced her next career endeavour, launching the Ash Barty Foundation, a charity that will assist underprivileged communities and young people in chasing their dreams.

The three-time grand slam winner enjoyed a decorated sporting career before calling time on her career after winning the 2022 Australian Open. Barty and her husband Garry Kissick welcomed baby boy Hayden in September and following the birth of their first child, Barty told 7News that she has been working tirelessly on her foundation.

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At the launch of her charity at Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club - the old home of the Australian Open - Barty said this is the start of her next chapter which brings her two passions together. "I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this day to come, to finally launch my foundation with my team," Barty said.

“Our purpose is to provide opportunity to young boys and girls through sport and education — two of my biggest passion pieces. Now, being able to bring it all together is really exciting."

Barty retired from tennis at just 25 and has always insisted she won't be making a comeback to professional tennis despite fans and commentators holding out hope. The former Australian Open champion, who also had a brief career in cricket, says her focus is on dedicating the time in her life to her passions outside tennis. “A big part of my growing and learning as an athlete was being able to be surrounded by such good people that provided me with so much opportunity,” Barty said on Monday.

"I feel like now I’m excited that I get to do that; I get to commit my time in a positive way and give back to the sport that gave me so much — and extend that into education as well, and into different sports. Our goal is to help as many young Australians as possible to make sure that the quality is there, that the money is being used in the right way. I don’t want to put a goal or an expectation or a ceiling on where we go.

"To be honest, I’m not sure where we’ll end up yet. It’s about the journey, it’s about growing and doing the best that we can. We’re all very new to this — my team, my family, the team in the AB Foundation — so it’s all exciting for us, it’s all new. And I think we have the energy, we have the desire to do as well as we can, and that’s all we can ask."

Ash Barty's return to Rod Laver Arena sent fans' tongues wagging

Barty returned to centre court at the Australian Open on Sunday night, bringing out the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup - the trophy that the women's champion receives each year at the Australian Open. She walked out alongside American Andre Agassi, who was holding the men's trophy - the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup.

Barty and Agassi took part in a small ceremony on the centre court before Novak Djokovic kicked off his campaign with a win over Croatian teen Dino Prižmić. Barty received a standing ovation from the crowd, with adoring fans delighted to see her back on the tennis court, with many noting that she looked in top condition and could be preparing to compete again. "Ash Barty still looks like she can win it," one person wrote, while another commented: "Ash can probably still win it".

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