In a heartwarming return to her roots, three-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Ash Barty has announced a special partnership with the Brisbane International, headlining a charity showcase and engaging with the next generation of fans and ballkids during the 2025 edition of the tournament. The Brisbane local, who shocked the tennis world by retiring at the peak of her powers in 2022, will grace Pat Rafter Arena on December 29 for the event’s opening day, blending nostalgia with her passion for youth development through the Ash Barty Foundation.
A Meaningful Homecoming: Charity Showcase and Ballkids Tribute
Barty’s involvement kicks off with a charity showcase match alongside fellow Australian legend Pat Rafter and a selection of WTA and ATP stars, officially launching the Brisbane International Family Fun Day. Gates open at 9:30 AM, with the exhibition designed to raise funds and awareness for the Ash Barty Foundation, established in January 2024 to inspire, educate, and provide opportunities for young Australians through sport and education. “I’m grateful to the Brisbane International team for providing me with an opportunity to raise awareness for the Ash Barty Foundation and to engage with young Australians throughout the tournament,” Barty said in a statement.
Adding a personal touch, Barty will present the ballkids squad with their hats before qualifying begins, proudly connecting with the next generation as the Brisbane International Ballkids Ambassador. The ballkids’ uniforms will feature the Ash Barty Foundation logo on the sleeve, symbolizing her commitment to fostering grassroots tennis. “It’s so exciting to be back,” Barty shared, emphasizing her pride in the ballkids and the event’s role in inspiring kids. This marks her first on-court appearance at the tournament since her 2019 participation, where she reached the quarterfinals as a rising star.
Barty’s Legacy and the Tournament’s Star Power
Barty, a Brisbane native who won the Australian Open in 2022 and the French Open in 2019, retired at 25 while holding the world No. 1 ranking, citing a desire for balance and family. Her foundation, still in its early stages, focuses on empowering Indigenous youth and underserved communities through tennis and education programs, including court refurbishments and equipment donations. This partnership aligns perfectly with her mission, bringing her back to the Pat Rafter Arena—named after the two-time US Open champion—who will join her for the showcase.
The Brisbane International, presented by Evie and running December 29 to January 5, boasts a stacked field headlined by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (women’s defending champion) and Novak Djokovic (men’s). Other stars include Grigor Dimitrov, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff, ensuring high-level action as players gear up for the Australian Open. Barty’s presence elevates the event’s community focus, with Family Fun Day offering free entry for kids under 14 and interactive activities.
Why It Matters: Inspiring the Next Generation
Barty’s return isn’t about a competitive comeback— she’s firmly retired—but about legacy. “It’s such an important tournament. You’ve seen time and time again this tournament attracts the best players in the world,” she noted, excited to “dust off the cobwebs” for fun hits and engage young fans. Her involvement could spark renewed interest in Australian tennis, especially among girls, following her trailblazing career that ended a 44-year drought for a home Australian Open women’s winner.
Tickets for the Brisbane International are on sale now via Ticketmaster, with qualifying starting December 29. For more on the Ash Barty Foundation, visit ashbartyfoundation.com.au. As Barty steps back onto Pat Rafter Arena, it’s a reminder: True champions never truly leave the court—they just pass the torch.
