Ashleigh Barty sent fans into a frenzy after a social media post which some interpreted as a cryptic comeback clue.

The Australian player had a hugely successful career, winning three Grand Slam titles and holding the World No. 1 position in the WTA Ranking for 121 weeks. She also won 15 singles titles and 12 doubles titles on the WTA Tour.

However, Barty shocked the tennis world in March last year when she announced her retirement from the sport at just 25 years old. In the process, she became only the second player to retire while still holding the No. 1 ranking.

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"I don't have the physical drive, the emotional want and everything it takes to challenge yourself at the very top of the level any more. I am spent," she revealed at the time.

Fans hold onto hope after cryptic post

Since her retirement, Barty gave birth to her son Hayden in July of this year. In a recent post on Instagram, the now 27-year-old was seen cradling her baby son while visiting a local tennis court.

In the photo, Barty wore a Wimbledon baseball cap and held a mini tennis racket for Hayden. She captioned the post "Back to red ball."

As a result of this post, many fans expressed hope that it signaled a potential comeback to the sport.

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"Can't wait to see all the news headlines after this. 'Barty set to return after having baby," wrote one.

"'Come out of retirement please. We need you back on the tour," added another.

Former doubles champion Pam Shriver pointed out the timing of the post,

"It's kind of like, does that send a message, now that all these peers who were playing the tour at the same time as her are coming back?" she said.

Several of Barty's former colleagues, including Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina, and Naomi Osaka, have recently come out of retirement or are returning to the sport after a break during which time they gave birth to at least one child.