A Viral Sensation at Flushing Meadows
During the 2025 US Open, tennis fans were sent into a frenzy over a spectator who bore an uncanny resemblance to retired Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty. Spotted in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium during a high-profile match, the mystery woman—dubbed Barty’s “carbon copy” on social media—sparked a wave of excitement, with X posts and fan reactions amplifying the moment. The lookalike’s appearance, coinciding with Barty’s own return to the court for a charity event at the Brisbane International and her announcement of expecting a second child, reignited fans’ nostalgia for the former world No. 1, who retired in 2022 after a stellar career.
The Lookalike That Stole the Show
The Barty doppelgänger was first noticed during Carlos Alcaraz’s third-round match against Arthur Rinderknech on August 31, 2025, though some fans claimed she appeared during other matches, including Aryna Sabalenka’s quarter-final run. Sporting a petite frame, dark hair, and a familiar cap reminiscent of Barty’s signature on-court look, the spectator prompted immediate comparisons. X users erupted, with one post exclaiming, “Is that Ash Barty in the crowd at the US Open?! Carbon copy alert! 😱” (@TennisFanatic22). Another wrote, “Swear I saw Ash Barty cheering for Alcaraz. Turns out it’s her twin out there! #USOpen” (@TheTennisLetter). The viral moment, fueled by zoomed-in crowd shots broadcast on ESPN, had fans double-taking, with some humorously speculating if Barty had secretly returned to Flushing Meadows.
The woman’s identity remains unconfirmed, with no official reports identifying her. However, her resemblance to Barty—known for her 5’5” stature, athletic build, and understated style—sparked debates about whether she was a relative, a fan mimicking her look, or simply a coincidental doppelgänger. The frenzy echoed past tennis lookalike moments, like a Roger Federer double spotted at Wimbledon 2023, highlighting fans’ love for such quirky distractions.
Barty’s Enduring Legacy
The excitement over the lookalike underscores Ash Barty’s lasting impact on tennis. The 29-year-old, who retired in March 2022 after winning the Australian Open, remains a fan favorite for her three Grand Slam singles titles (2019 French Open, 2021 Wimbledon, 2022 Australian Open) and 121 weeks as world No. 1 (en.wikipedia.org, web:0). Her all-court game, powerful serve, and humble demeanor earned her global admiration, with fans nicknaming her matches the “Barty Party” (olympics.com.au, web:2). Since retiring, Barty has focused on family—welcoming son Hayden in July 2023 and daughter Jordan in June 2025—and her Ash Barty Foundation, which supports youth through sport (abc.net.au, web:10).
Her recent return to the court for a charity showcase at the Brisbane International on December 29, 2024, alongside Pat Rafter, reignited nostalgia, with fans chanting her name at Pat Rafter Arena (brisbaneinternational.com.au, web:3). The US Open lookalike moment, occurring during the tournament’s early rounds, amplified this sentiment, with X posts like, “Ash Barty’s twin at the US Open and Ash back on court in Brisbane? The universe is giving us Barty vibes! 🥎” (@AusTennisFan).
Context Amid a Star-Studded US Open
The 2025 US Open was packed with storylines, from Alcaraz’s title win over Jannik Sinner to Emma Raducanu’s mixed doubles partnership with Alcaraz, dubbed “Raducaraz” (usopen.org). Off-court drama, like Lleyton Hewitt’s £15,000 fine for pushing a volunteer and Carlos Alcaraz’s confirmed romance with model Brooks Nader, added buzz (E! News, web:0). The Barty lookalike became a lighthearted subplot, with fans joking, “First Raducaraz, now Barty’s clone? US Open delivering all the drama!” (@TennisBuzz). The moment also highlighted Barty’s absence from competitive tennis, as she’s focused on her foundation and family, with no plans to return despite fan pleas.
A Doppelgänger’s Moment in the Spotlight
The “carbon copy” Barty lookalike at the 2025 US Open became a viral sensation, reminding fans of the retired star’s enduring charm. While her identity remains a mystery, the spectator’s resemblance sparked joy and nostalgia, connecting to Barty’s recent family announcement and charity appearance. As one X user put it, “Whether it’s Ash or her twin, the Barty Party lives on! 🎾” The moment proves that even off the court, Ash Barty’s presence in tennis remains undeniable, with fans ready to celebrate her legacy—or her lookalike—at every turn.
