Ash Barty reveals what surprised him most about his retirement – and how he’ll stay involved in tennis… as long as it doesn’t mean picking up a racket himself!
- Ash Barty reveals what has surprised him most about life since retirement
- The former world No. 1 will start an elite academy for young players
- Barty rejected all suggestions that he might return to professional sport
The former world No. revealed. 1 Ash Barty what surprises him most about life since retiring from tennis, and his plans to stay involved in the game – not just on the court.
The 26-year-old dramatically retired from the sport at the height of his powers following his watershed Australian Open win in January and has rejected all suggestions he could return to professional sport in the future.
Ash Barty (pictured) reveals what has surprised him most in life since retiring from tennis, and his plans to stay involved in the game – not just on the tennis court
The 26-year-old dramatically retired from the sport at the height of his powers following his watershed Australian Open championship in January and has rejected all suggestions he could return to professional sport in the future
Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty has absolutely no regrets about his decision to retire, saying he was ‘surprised’ at how comfortable he is now.
‘Honestly, I think what surprised me the most was how comfortable I was,’ she told the New York Times.
‘I think maybe there’s a normal fear or uncertainty of not knowing what my life will look like after tennis after being committed.’
Unlike many former professional athletes, Barty (pictured after winning the Australian Open) has absolutely no regrets about his decision to retire, saying he is ‘surprised’ by how comfortable he is now.
‘I wasn’t quite sure how I’d deal with that as I’m someone who likes to be organised. Maybe there was a little fear there, but overall, that wasn’t an issue, worry or concern.
‘What’s surprising in a good way is that I slipped seamlessly into this life like everyone else. Which is kind of always what I want.
Although Barty hasn’t been active on the tennis tour, it’s been a busy year for the former tennis star.
She married long-term partner Garry Kissick, released her memoir My Dream Time and also launched her Little Ash range of children’s books with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin.
Barty married long-term partner Garry Kissick, released her memoir My Dream Time and also launched her Little Ash range of children’s books with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin
Barty will stay involved in tennis by starting an elite academy in Australia with Jason Stoltenberg and Craig Tizzer, and says he is interested in mentoring but not coaching junior players.
‘The more time I have to sit and think and absorb this year, I don’t think I’ll ever compete professionally again,’ he said.
‘But I will never join the sport. So I think that’s where I’ll always get my tennis fix, the taste of the sport that gave me so much.’
