Ash Barty beats Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal on list of Australia’s most liked athletes
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Ash Barty surpasses Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Hugh Jackman in the new list of Australia’s most likable stars, as Nick Kyrgios trails far behind the retired Wimbledon champion.
- Ash Barty beats out the big names on new list of Australia’s most beloved athletes
- Barty ranked higher than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Pat Cummins
- Tennis star Nick Kyrgios was not in the top 10 on the list
Tennis star Ash Barty might have retired last year, but his popularity and commercial appeal in Australia are at an all-time high, surpassing stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and even Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman. .
The humble 26-year-old Grand Slam champion recently ranked first in a measurement of the marketability of athletes and other stars in Australia, beating out some of the biggest names in the business.
Tennis star Ash Barty might have retired last year, but his popularity and commercial appeal in Australia are at an all-time high, surpassing the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and even Hollywood superstar Hugh Jackman.
The humble 26-year-old sports prodigy recently ranked first in a measurement of athlete marketability in Australia, beating out some of the biggest names in the business.
The Gemba Group tracks the ‘likeability’ and ‘awareness’ of athletes within the Australian public and determines their ‘star power’, ranking them accordingly.
In the most recent findings, Barty edged out Federer and Nadal, with Aussie and Tennis Player of the Year Dylan Alcott in fourth place.
Cricketers Pat Cummins and Steve Smith also feature in the top 10, but Nick Kyrgios misses the cut.
Even when compared to non-sports talent, Barty remains in the top spot, beating out Hugh Jackman and musician Ed Sheeran.
The Australian golden girl continues to be a very attractive property for backers, with current backers including telecom giant Optus, UKG, Marriott, RADO, Qantas, Vegemite and AIA.
Although he no longer plays, Barty also has the support of tennis team sponsors FILA and Head.
Cricketers Pat Cummins and Steve Smith also feature in the top 10, but Nick Kyrgios (pictured with his partner) misses the cut despite having a strong year in 2022.
Last month, Barty won the Don Award, considered the highest honor in Australian sport, for her heroism on the pitch and her humility off the pitch, becoming only the third athlete to take up the gong for the second time.
Also in December, Barty was awarded Australian tennis’s highest honour, the Newcombe Medal, for a record fifth consecutive year.
Interestingly, Barty was also the most Googled Australian figure in 2022, even surpassing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Even when compared to non-sports talent, Barty remains in the top spot, beating out actor Hugh Jackman (pictured) and musician Ed Sheeran.
The former World No.1 has rejected all suggestions that she might return to professional sports in the future, and unlike many former professional athletes, Barty has no regrets about her decision to retire.
“To be honest, I think the thing that has surprised me the most is how comfortable I’ve been,” she told the New York Times earlier this month.
“I think there was probably a normal fear or uncertainty in not knowing what my life would be like after tennis after being so focused.”
While Barty hasn’t been active on the tennis tour, it’s been a busy year for the former tennis star.
She married her partner Garry Kissick, published her memoir My Dream Time and also launched her Little Ash range of children’s books with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.
Barty will remain involved in tennis by starting an elite academy in Australia with Jason Stoltenberg and Craig Tizzer, and says she is interested in mentoring but not coaching young players.