Ash Barty

Barty beat USA's Danielle Collins in last year's Australian Open final to become the first home champion in singles in 44 years.

Since her retirement, Barty has received The Don Award, named for Australia’s most accomplished and famous sportsperson, cricket player Don Bradman. Earlier this month, in an Instagram post, she said that 2023 was “set to be the biggest year yet” with a picture of her dog alongside a pair of baby shoes. I am spent,” Barty told her former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua in an Instagram video.

Ashleigh Barty delivered the 2023 Australian Open women's singles trophy to a huge standing ovation from Rod Laver Arena.

“What’s been most surprising in a good way is that I’ve slipped quite seamlessly into this life that’s just like everyone else, which is kind of always what I wanted. There was probably a little bit of fear in that, but overall, that hasn’t been an issue, a concern or a worry." That marked the first time in 44 years Melbourne Park had a 'local' winner before Barty surprisingly left the sport to chase "other dreams." However, Barty had other ideas, as she apparently lost her motivation to keep playing and wanted to pursue other goals. Making her first appearance on Rod Laver Arena since that run at Melbourne Park, the reigning champion grinned and waved to the crowd as seven members of the Original Nine watched on. I think there was probably a normal fear or uncertainty in not knowing what my life would look like after tennis after being so focused.

Melbourne, Jan 28 (IANS): Former World No.1 Ashleigh Barty on Saturday made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Park to deliver the Daphne Akhurst Memorial ...

Last year, Barty claimed her third and final major title by defeating Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6 in the final to become Australia's first homegrown champion in 44 years. With seven of the members of the Original 9 and her friend and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley watching from the stands, Barty flashed a wide grin and trademark wave to the crowd before making way for the night's combatants, No.5 Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.

Former World No.1 Ashleigh Barty on Saturday made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Park to deliver the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy to Rod Laver Arena ...

With seven of the members of the Original 9 and her friend and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley watching from the stands, Barty flashed a wide grin and trademark wave to the crowd before making way for the night’s combatants, No.5 Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. The 26-year-old Queenslander, who announced her sudden retirement last April, received a rousing ovation from the crowd as she strolled on to the court with the trophy she captured in inspired fashion 12 months ago. [World](https://www.news18.com/world/) No.1 Ashleigh Barty on Saturday made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Park to deliver the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy to Rod Laver Arena ahead of the Australian Open 2023 women’s final.

After winning the Aus Open, the Belarusian star said she 'thinks Australia loves her' ... but that wasn't the case when she was 19.

I felt the support and it really motivated me a lot.” She could be seen shaking her head in frustration as the game was brought to a temporary halt. “Thank you so much guys for such an amazing atmosphere .... Thank you so much.” Barty was a set down down but up in the second when the fans started copying the sounds of Sabalenka as she attempted to serve. [tennis](https://7news.com.au/sport/tennis) star was making during that match had seemingly got under the skin of the crowd and they went for the jugular (watch the video).

Tennis icon Billie Jean King revealed she's “very upset” Ash Barty retired after admitting players shouldn't go out on top.

it’s like a life.” However, King said her decision to retire at 32-years-old back in 1975 was a mistake, the “I was very upset she retired, she’s a great athlete but more importantly I do want her to be happy,’’ King said. “It’s given me all of my dreams, plus more, but I know that the time is right now for me to step away and chase other dreams and to put the racquets down.” Tennis icon Billie Jean King revealed she’s “very upset” Ash Barty retired after admitting players shouldn’t go out on top. The 79-year-old former world number one said Barty is “so young, she’s great for the sport.”