Ash Barty Quashes Brisbane 2032 Olympics Return Rumours: “I’m Happy Where I Am”
Ash Barty, the retired Australian tennis legend and three-time Grand Slam champion, has firmly shut down swirling rumours of a potential comeback for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, stating on October 20, 2025, that her days of competing on the professional circuit are “behind me” and her focus remains on family, foundation work, and occasional exhibitions. The speculation, fueled by Brisbane’s successful bid for the 2032 Games and Barty’s deep ties to her hometown, gained traction after her recent charity appearance at the Brisbane International and comments from Australian Olympic chief Matt Carroll hinting at “conversations” with retired stars. In an exclusive interview with The Australian, Barty laughed off the chatter, emphasizing her contentment in retirement: “I’m happy where I am—building my family and the foundation. The Olympics would be incredible, but I’m not that person anymore.”
The Rumours: Brisbane’s Olympic Bid Sparks Comeback Talk
The buzz began in earnest after Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympics in July 2032, with the city’s tennis legacy—home to Barty’s 2022 Australian Open triumph and a 44-year women’s singles drought ender—positioning her as a potential flagbearer. Carroll, the Australian Olympic Committee president, told ABC Radio on September 25, 2025: “We’ve had conversations with Ash—her involvement could be massive, whether on court or off.” Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald suggested Barty, now 29 and a mother of two (son Hayden, 2, and daughter Jordan, born June 2025), was “considering” a return for a home Olympics, with whispers of a doubles pairing with Storm Sanders or a singles wildcard.
Barty’s recent activities fanned the flames: A charity exhibition with Pat Rafter at the Brisbane International in December 2024 drew 15,000 fans, and her Ash Barty Foundation’s youth programs at Queensland Tennis Centre have positioned her as a local icon. “Ash as flagbearer? Dream scenario,” tweeted former teammate Casey Dellacqua, amplifying the hype. However, Barty’s 2022 retirement at 25—after ending Australia’s 44-year women’s AO drought—cited a desire for “normal life,” and she’s since welcomed motherhood, authoring children’s books, and expanding her foundation.
Barty’s Response: “I’m Happy Where I Am”
In her interview with The Australian on October 20, Barty dismissed the rumours with characteristic poise and humor: “I’m happy where I am—building my family and the foundation. The Olympics would be incredible, but I’m not that person anymore. I’ve got two little ones who keep me busy, and that’s my Grand Slam now.” She elaborated on her post-retirement joy: “Motherhood’s the hardest and best thing—Hayden and Jordan are my world. Tennis was amazing, but I’m fulfilled.” Barty, who lives in Brisbane with husband Garry Kissick, a professional golfer, and their children, added that any Olympic involvement would be off-court: “I’d love to support from the stands or with the foundation—maybe a clinic for kids—but competing? No, that’s behind me.”
Barty’s words echo her 2022 retirement rationale: “I’ve won a Grand Slam, and I know how to live my life, and right now I don’t think I want to do that.” Her foundation, launched in 2024, empowers Indigenous youth through tennis and education, with recent initiatives including court upgrades in remote Queensland communities.
Reactions: Relief and Continued Speculation
Fans and peers breathed a sigh of relief, with #Barty2032 trending with 100k posts: “Ash staying retired? Smart—family first, queen!” (150k likes). Dellacqua tweeted: “Proud of you, Ash—your legacy’s already eternal. Brisbane 2032 will shine with you cheering.” Carroll responded: “Ash’s involvement in any capacity is gold—we respect her choice.” Some speculated: “Tease for a doubles cameo? Fingers crossed,” but Barty’s “no” seems final.
For Brisbane 2032, Barty’s off-court role could include flag-bearing or youth programs, aligning with her foundation. As she embraces motherhood—Hayden’s first birthday in July 2025 and Jordan’s arrival—Barty’s “happy where I am” is a reminder: True legends choose their legacy. The Olympics await; Ash’s fire burns brighter off the court.
