Ash Barty, Australia’s beloved tennis champion and 2022 Australian Open winner, has delivered a powerful message ahead of the 2025 Australian Open: “Be excited.” In an emotional interview from her Brisbane home, the 29-year-old – now a new mum and UNICEF ambassador – urged fans to embrace the next wave of Australian tennis talent filling the space she left when she retired in 2022.
Speaking with trademark warmth and optimism, Barty highlighted the new energy in women’s tennis Down Under, saying:
“We have a young girl, Emerson Jones, who kind of showed out last week in Adelaide. She did really well. No. 1 junior also. I think women’s tennis is trending up. It’s in a good place. Hopefully it will continue getting better.”
Her words have lit a spark across Australian tennis circles — a rallying cry for belief, support, and excitement as the next generation steps into the spotlight.
The Spark: Emerson Jones and the Teen Titans
At the heart of Barty’s praise is Emerson Jones, the 16-year-old Queensland prodigy and former world No. 1 junior. Fresh from a breakthrough Adelaide International run — where she upset a top-100 opponent before narrowly losing to Ons Jabeur — Jones has earned a wildcard into the 2025 Australian Open main draw, marking her Grand Slam debut.
“I was shocked when I got the wildcard,” Jones admitted. “It’s a dream come true. I’m just excited to play my game and see what happens.” Coached by former junior Slam winner Carlos Cuadrado, Jones’ aggressive, all-court style and fearless composure have drawn comparisons to Barty herself.
And she’s not the only one making waves. Barty’s optimism extends to a talented new generation ready to ignite Melbourne Park:
| Player | Age | 2025 Highlights | AO 2025 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerson Jones | 16 | Adelaide R2 (beat world No. 85); 2024 AO & Wimbledon junior finalist | Wildcard main draw debut |
| Maya Joint | 17 | Brisbane QF; world junior No. 2 | AO wildcard; hard-court specialist |
| Olly Tarvet | 16 | Australian junior champion; Auckland Q1 | Qualifier hopeful; lefty serve-volleyer |
| Reese Flynn | 18 | Sydney R16; doubles rising star | Possible main draw; Barty’s “dark horse” pick |
These rising stars signal a bright future for Australian tennis. With four women now ranked inside the top 150 — led by Storm Hunter at No. 28 — and junior Slam success on the rise, the post-Barty era looks anything but dull.
“It’s great when people say that I’m following in Ash Barty’s footsteps,” Jones said, smiling after her Adelaide run. The torch, it seems, is being passed.
Why Now? The Post-Barty Boom and AO Fever
Since Barty’s shock retirement in 2022, Australian women’s tennis has searched for its next big moment. Three years on, the pieces are falling into place. Storm Hunter’s WTA 500 doubles triumph with Luisa Stefani, Ajla Tomljanović’s US Open quarterfinal run, and the teenagers’ rapid rise have reignited national hope.
Commentating for Nine Network this summer, Barty summed up the mood:
“With an eye to the horizon, there’s plenty to be excited about.”
Her vision is clear — a deep Aussie run at the home Slam and perhaps a symbolic Jones–Joint doubles pairing for the crowd to rally behind.
Fans have responded with enthusiasm. On social media, posts proclaim “Barty’s baton passed — AO 2025 = teen takeover!” echo the national excitement. As tickets fly off the shelves and anticipation builds for January, Barty’s message resonates across every court and clubhouse:
Excitement isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Can Emerson Jones channel her idol and announce herself to the world in Melbourne? One thing’s certain: Australian tennis is buzzing again. 🎾
