Ashleigh Barty makes special trip to Northern Territory

Following her historic triumph at this year's Australian Open, Ashleigh Barty has had a packed schedule and one of her trips took her to Uluru and Alice Springs (Mparntwe), Central Australia, which she visited this week in her role as Tennis Australia’s First Nations Ambassador.

The three-time Grand Slam champion was able to to connect with members of the Muṯitjulu School and community, from Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara country in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park.

“It’s really hard to put into words, just because it’s a feeling,” said Barty. “When you actually go to Uluru for the first time like I did, it was just an incredible experience for me to understand how much of a spiritual connection Uluru has for so many communities.

“But also as a child, as an Aboriginal girl growing up, it’s the heartbeat of our nation … being able to experience that first-hand is something I always wanted to do.

“To be able to allow myself, through my profession and through my career to have this opportunity was really special.”

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A proud Ngarigo woman, Barty was delighted to hit with young players from Mutitjulu School as part of the Racquets and Red Dust program on a Hot Shots court with the iconic Uluru scenery as a backdrop. 

“We were in the heartbeat of our country, the heartbeat of our nation and for me to be there, I feel extremely fortunate and lucky to get to experience that."