"Door is closed but not padlocked" - Barty not rulling out return to tennis

Ash Barty wrestled with her decision to retire for months; it was only finalised when the announcement plans were put in place.

But as a 25-year-old at the top of her game, the Queenslander isn’t completely shutting the door on a return to professional tennis. On Thursday, Barty reiterated that her immediate plans in the early stages as an ex-player were still up in the air, but she wasn’t completely ruling out a return to professional ranks down the track.

When asked about a possible return she said:

“I’d say you never say never. I’d say the door is closed, but it’s not padlocked. I’m never one to absolutely say never, never, never. But, yeah, it feels like it’s closed."

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She further expanded:

“I feel like I’ve given absolutely everything to the sport and there is nothing more for me to give. But I know that tennis will always be a massive part of my life and I’ll be able to contribute in different ways, which is maybe why that connection with tennis will always be there.”