Ash Barty, the three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, has once again emphatically ruled out a professional return to tennis, amid her exciting involvement in the 2025 Brisbane International. The 28-year-old Australian, who retired abruptly in March 2022 just weeks after her Australian Open triumph, made her stance crystal clear during a recent interview, stating she has “definitely not” considered unretiring. This firm declaration comes alongside a major announcement: Barty will grace the Pat Rafter Arena for a charity showcase on December 29, 2024, joining forces with fellow Aussie legend Pat Rafter and current ATP/WTA stars to support her Ash Barty Foundation. The event, part of the tournament’s Family Fun Day, underscores Barty’s commitment to inspiring the next generation through sport and education, rather than chasing titles herself.
Barty’s Unwavering Stance on Retirement
Barty’s retirement at age 25 shocked the tennis world, but she has consistently reaffirmed her decision, prioritizing family and personal fulfillment over the tour’s demands. In a July 2024 interview, when pressed twice on a potential comeback, Barty was unequivocal: “I will definitely not return to play tennis professionally.” She elaborated, “I don’t have the time to train, prepare, and have so many good memories on this court, and I get to create new ones now.” Her words reflect a deep contentment with life post-tennis, including her roles as a mother to 18-month-old son Hayden (born July 2023) and the recent arrival of daughter Jordan in June 2025, announced on Christmas Day 2024 with a heartwarming Instagram post featuring Hayden’s “Big Brother” T-shirt.
Barty’s emphatic call aligns with her philosophy of balance. “The best and hardest thing I’ve ever done” is raising her children, she told News Corp in 2023. While she has made sporadic exhibition appearances—often with doubles partner Casey Dellacqua—these are strictly for charity, not competition. Her involvement in the Brisbane International, as Ballkids Ambassador and foundation partner, allows her to stay connected to the sport without the grind that led to her exit.
The Big Announcement: Charity Showcase with Pat Rafter
Barty’s “big announcement” on December 23, 2024, revealed her starring role in a charity exhibition match on the opening day of the Brisbane International, presented by Evie. Teaming up with two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter and featuring WTA/ATP guests like Frances Tiafoe and Ons Jabeur, the event launches the Family Fun Day and supports the Ash Barty Foundation, established in January 2024. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for young Australians through sport and education, with Barty presenting caps to the “Barty Ballkids”—young volunteers wearing her foundation’s logo.
Barty expressed excitement about the occasion: “It’s so exciting to be back… 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.” Rafter, a Brisbane local and two-time Wimbledon champion, echoed the sentiment: “Having Ash and Pat Rafter on court together will be a great spectacular for all tennis and sporting fans.” Tickets for the Family Fun Day start at $30 for adults and $60 for families, with the showcase promising trick shots and lighthearted rallies on Pat Rafter Arena.
This appearance marks Barty’s first on-court outing since her pregnancy announcement, blending joy with purpose. As Ballkids Ambassador, she highlighted the tournament’s importance: “It’s such an important tournament. You’ve seen time and time again this tournament attracts the best players in the world,” referring to headliners like world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Grigor Dimitrov.
Barty’s Post-Retirement Life and Legacy
Since retiring, Barty has thrived away from the spotlight. Married to husband Garry Kissick since July 2022, she welcomed Hayden in 2023 and Jordan in 2025, sharing family moments on Instagram to her 505,000 followers. Her ventures include a bestselling memoir *My Dream Time* (2022), a children’s book series *Little Ash* co-authored with Jasmin McGaughey and Jade Goodwin, and her role as Tennis Australia’s National Indigenous Tennis Ambassador. As Optus’ former “Chief of Inspiration” alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Barty promotes optimism and opportunity.
Her foundation work remains central, focusing on Indigenous youth and providing access to sports and education. “The Ash Barty Foundation’s goal is to provide more opportunities for boys and girls to discover what they love,” she said. Barty’s sporadic charity hits, like with Dellacqua, keep her tied to tennis without the pressure, and her Brisbane return—sans competitive intent—reaffirms her boundaries.
Fan Reactions and Tennis World Echoes
Fans celebrated Barty’s announcement on social media, with X posts like, “Ash Barty back on court with Pat Rafter? Epic! No comeback needed—she’s already a legend 🥎” (@TheTennisLetter). The event coincides with other tennis news, including Alex de Minaur’s Davis Cup efforts and Carlos Alcaraz’s romance with Brooks Nader. Barty’s emphatic “no” to a return quells speculation, especially after Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback inspired questions. “I get to create new memories now,” Barty reiterated, embracing her multifaceted life.
A Champion’s New Court
Ash Barty’s emphatic call against a tennis return, paired with her big announcement alongside Pat Rafter, showcases her graceful evolution from champion to advocate. The Brisbane charity showcase promises fun and impact, allowing Barty to inspire without competing. As she balances motherhood and legacy, Barty proves her influence endures—on her terms, creating new chapters far from the baseline.
