Ash Barty – the retired three-time Grand Slam champ, proud Ngarigo woman, and eternal Aussie sweetheart – turned a quiet Monday in Sydney into pure magic on November 3, 2025, when she rocked up to Redeemer Baptist School in North Parramatta for a dream-come-true tennis clinic.
The visit was the grand prize for the school winning the inaugural Ash Barty Schools Challenge – a Tennis NSW program that had 42 schools battling it out in mini-tournaments for the ultimate brag: a personal hit with Ash.
The Scene: 200 Screaming Kids + One Very Chill Legend
- On-court chaos: Barty spent 90 minutes rallying with Years 3–6, dishing volleys, high-fives, and her trademark slice backhand tips.
- Off-court wisdom: She signed racquets, posed for 500 selfies, and dropped gems like “Tennis is 90% heart, 10% forehand.”
- Best moment: A Year 5 boy nailed a winner past Ash… then promptly asked for her autograph on his shoe.
“These kids were buzzing – you could feel the energy from the car park!”
— Redeemer principal Dr Andrew Livingstone
Barty, now a mum to 2-year-old Hayden and UNICEF ambassador, told AAP mid-rally:
“Days like this remind me why I still lace up. Their smiles? Better than any trophy.”
Why This Visit Hits Different
- Inspiration overload: Redeemer’s squad (coached by parents) went undefeated in the Challenge, beating 41 schools.
- First Nations pride: Barty shared her Ngarigo heritage, tying into the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
- Next-gen nudge: She name-dropped Emerson Jones (16, world No.1 junior) mid-clinic: “Watch her at the AO – she’s the real deal.”
The Cutest Social Media Storm
- Ash’s Insta: Posted a reel of a conga-line warm-up → 1.8 million views in 4 hours. Caption: “Best Monday ever ❤️ #BartyPartyAtSchool”
- Kid viral star: Year 4 student Mia’s “I beat Ash Barty!” TikTok has 3.2 million likes.
- Parent DM slide: One mum said, “My son hasn’t stopped smiling OR brushing his teeth (Ash told him pros brush twice!).”
What’s Next for Ash?
- Commentator gig: Nine/Wide World of Sports for the Australian Open (Jan 12–26).
- Foundation flex: More school visits via the Ash Barty Foundation – next stop: regional QLD in December.
- Mum life: Hayden’s first racquet is already in the post.
From Wimbledon glory to schoolyard rallies, Ash Barty is living proof that retirement just means new courts to conquer.
Who’s ready for the 2026 Barty Party? 🇦🇺🎾
