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Ash Barty reveals what has surprised her most about her surprise retirement and how she’ll stay involved in tennis…as long as it doesn’t mean picking up a racket herself!
- Ash Barty reveals what has surprised her most in her life since she retired
- The former world number 1 will launch an elite academy for young players.
- Barty has rejected all suggestions that he might return to professional sports.
Former world number 1 Ash Barty has revealed what has surprised her most in her life since retiring from tennis, and her plans to stay involved in the game, but not on the court.
The 26-year-old sensationally left the sport at the peak of her powers following her decisive victory at the Australian Open last January and has rejected all suggestions that she might return to professional sport in the future.
Ash Barty (pictured) has revealed what has surprised her most in life since retiring from tennis, and her plans to stay involved in the game, just not on the tennis court.
The 26-year-old sensationally left the sport at the peak of her powers following her decisive Australian Open championship last January and has rejected all suggestions that she might return to professional sport in the future.
Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty has no regrets about her decision to retire, saying she’s “surprised” at how comfortable she is now.
“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.
“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.”
Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty (pictured after winning the Australian Open) doesn’t regret her decision to retire at all, saying she’s “surprised” at how comfortable she is now.
“I was a little unsure how I would deal with it because I am a person who likes to be organized. There was probably a little bit of fear in that, but overall, that hasn’t been a problem, a concern, or a concern.
“What has been amazing in a good way is that I have slipped smoothly into this life that is just like everyone else. Which is kind of what I always wanted.
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 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.
“The more time I’ve had to sit and think and absorb this year, I think never again in the sense of competing professionally again,” he said.
‘But I will never stop being involved in the sport. So I think that’s where I’ll always get my tennis fix, that taste of the sport that gave me so much.