Ashleigh Barty to team with Frances Tiafoe on Sunday during All-Star Doubles affair at Brisbane International

Ashleigh Barty has had some week announcing that she is expecting and will become a mother for the second time and despite retiring from tennis and showing no signs of returning, she will return to the court.

Barty has maintained a presence in the Australian tennis summer with various appearances mostly at pre tournament exhibitions and Family Fun Days and she signed up to be involved with the Brisbane International.

Starting on December 29, it will see an all star match begin the tournament as she teams with showman Frances Tiafoe in doubles to face off against Ons Jabeur and Pat Rafter. It is a Day Session schedule full of Aussie's with rising star Maya Joint set to face Maddison Inglis. While Christopher O'Connell and Jordan Thompson will face Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik in doubles.

Read also

"I’m grateful": Ashleigh Barty to return to the court as Brisbane International partnership confirmed

“I’m grateful to the Brisbane International team for providing me with an opportunity to raise awareness for the Ash Barty Foundation and to engage with young Australians throughout the tournament,” Barty said over the past week.

“I have been fortunate in terms of my journey but not all kids have that same experience.

“The Ash Barty Foundation’s goal is to provide more opportunities for boys and girls to discover what they love to do and to give them the ability to follow their dreams.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we have done so far, but it’s only the beginning.

“It will be a lot of fun to hit on the court with Pat Rafter and friends for the charity match and to meet many young tennis fans.”

It is a tournament that features Novak Djokovic, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka attracting some of the main box office attractions in the sport. But at least on the opening night, the eyes will be back on Barty again. While no return is likely especially with the latest news, it is no doubt going to be a great sight to see her on court again.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate tennis experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe