Ash Barty reflects on almost retiring after achieving childhood dream at Wimbledon

Ashleigh Barty recently revealed that she might have retired from tennis in 2021 after winning her second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon. However, the former Australian tennis star decided to extend her career a bit longer, and eight months later, she won the Australian Open, marking her definitive retirement from tennis.

The former world No. 1 shared in an interview with Express Sport the reason she continued playing after securing the title at the All England Club: “Winning Wimbledon was my childhood dream,” she said. “Not many people are lucky enough to live out their dream but that day in 2021 was the most special moment of my career. When I achieved that dream, I felt content with my tennis career.”

“If it hadn’t been for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, I may have retired after Wimbledon,” Ash Barty claimed. The Australian entered the tournament as the first seed but suffered an unexpected first-round defeat to Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo, ending her aspirations of winning a medal.

Nevertheless, Barty valued her decision to stay on the tour a bit longer: “But I’m very glad I didn’t as the Australian Open win in 2022 was incredible and a chance for my whole family and team to celebrate together.”

Additionally, the three-time Grand Slam champion returned to Wimbledon this year for the first time since her retirement, joining the BBC's commentary team for television broadcasts. Barty ended her career at just 26 years old, while still being the world No. 1, and has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of returning to professional tennis.